Present: John Strong (Chair), Bill Lewis (Dartford Wheelers), Phil Kessel (DBC), David Meade (Woodlands Trust), Allan Savigar (Connex SE), Richard Wiltshire (QED Allotments), Graeme Laidlaw (QED Allotments), Colin Sharpe (O.T. Cycles), Paddy Herlihy (DBC), Tony Mack (CTC Regional Officer), Alan Cremer (DBC).

Apologies for Absence: David Lerew.

Notes From Last Meeting

Had been received and approved.

Air Quality Information Update

J.S. proposed the purchase of an air quality measuring machine.

Phil Kessel tabled a paper showing the situation of active monitoring points. The objective is to monitor areas of interest to the public. The capital project will need sponsorship together with an on-going annual fee for calibration. The group will await the outcome of the evaluation of equipment.

P.K. agreed to a request from the Group to up-date monitoring data at each Transport Group meeting.

National Bike Week

National Bike Week will be June 6th-14th.. Paddy Herlihy reported the existence of the Cycling Opportunities Group. The timing of cycling events this year is unfortunate as they are occurring very closely together. Preparations are in hand for a 1999 Bicycle Festival at a different time of the year. A competition for schools is envisaged which will test agility, speed, safety etc.. There will be a pilot scheme this Summer which will roll on to all schools. It was proposed that such events might occur under the umbrella of QED/C.O.G.. It is hoped that the 1999 event will be similar to the event held in 1997. All the events can be tied together on a local basis. It was proposed that QED should organise the Green Transport to School Competition with the winners receiving the "QEDTrophy".

National Car Free Day

It was proposed that the sanction of the Steering Group be sought for the expenditure of £200 for prizes for an annual competition.

It was proposed that a "Green Commuting to Work" competition be organised, again for a QED Trophy. It was suggested that one trophy be awarded to the firm having the lowest percentage of vehicles carrying one person, and a second for the largest variety of methods (other than motor vehicles) used by people to get to work. It was proposed that this should take place on "Car-Free" Day during Green Transport Week with the award ceremony taking place some 2-3 weeks after the Festival. Publicity can be given to the event and the winners in the QED tent at the Festival. A Press Release will be made and this followed up by telephone calls to relevant firms. The objective will be to seek roughly 10 entrants in each class.

Internet Web Site

John Strong tabled print-outs of the QED current pages on the web-site. He requested that any information to be included on the boards should be sent to him.

Dartford Festival

It was suggested that an adult cycling proficiency test course be set up at the Festival. The possibility of this being allied to the Wheelerís Skills Test for children, and also having a fitness assessment machine present were also discussed. Paddy Herlihy will attend the COG meeting and report back to the QED Transport Group regarding the Festival Event.

Action Plan

Ideas for review to be handed in.

Other Business

A request was made that when major roadworks are planned local cycling interests/QED Transport group should be consulted. It was pointed out that there are no cycling paths in Longfield. It is not possible to encourage children and others to cycle when it is not safe to do so. Tony Mack will arrange a meeting with David Lerew and Tim Lynch to discuss. Phil Kessel asked whether it is feasible for us to ask questions directly of the Highways Authority. Paddy Herlihy pointed out that there is no local money available, and that QED should perhaps lobby collectively. A letter should be drafted and presented to the next meeting. Tony Mack and Bill Lewis will make a draft list of local cycling problems. KCC Members and David Lerew to be invited to the next meeting. A list of questions will be drawn up to be addressed at that meeting.

Date of Next Meeting

June 3rd. 1998 at 7.30 p.m. in the Civic Centre Council Chamber.

Please Bring Anyone Who Might Be Interested To This Meeting.

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