I see the usual LCC trolls and their lackeys are out in force to discredit the people of Chiswick. An honest summary of the lively meeting is as follows:It was very upsetting hearing how fearful many people in Chiswick feel about the cycle lane and cyclists behaviour. An important point that came across loud and clear last night was the strength of feeling and distress the whole cycle lane, as well as the new proposals, has caused/would cause to local residents. It was very upsetting to hear so many people’s accounts of their stressful experience of chiswick whether it’s getting on and off buses, having to alter where they get off to avoid a floating bus stop, attempting to cross the road, the dangers of crossing at the Dukes Avenue junction, the fear people are feeling that they could be seriously injured or lose their lives, and the difficulties they’re having just doing something as basic as getting their shopping. Time and time again individuals described how cyclists are running red lights constantly, not stopping at junctions, riding on the pavements and verbally abusing people, even young children. The most upsetting accounts were from the four or five blind people who attended with their guide dogs or carers, of how their lives in Chiswick have been adversely affected and limited and how they are being excluded from their own community after having lived here for many years. The lady with the guide dog at the front explained how her dog would not be able to tell if a cycle lane was on the pavement as there would be no kerb. For this reason alone the proposal should be scrapped. (And it would be just as dangerous if the cycle lane were built into a channel on the pavement). It is totally outrageous that the net zero and cycling zealots have reduced daily life in Chiswick and many other towns to one of misery and fear. The word used by that lady to describe how she and other blind people are feeling about Chiswick High Road is ‘dread’. Dread. Where is our humanity? Where is common sense? A motion was drawn up at the conclusion of the meeting stating that the proposal to put C9 on the pavement starting at the Catholic Church should be scrapped. The proposal is abhorrent to the church congregation as well as to the majority of chiswick residents. It is an abomination and the council should hang their heads in shame.
Lynda Fisher ● 7d