How can we transform our city? Lessons from London’s Mini-Holland

Our AGM will be taking place on Thursday 15th June at 7pm in the Showroom cafe bar, and we’d love for you to join us.

This year we’re delighted to welcome Paul Gasson – from the Waltham Forest branch of London Cycling Campaign and a leading figure behind the Waltham Forest Mini Holland scheme – to talk about his experience of the project.

The aim of Mini Holland was to transform the borough into a place for cycling and walking by reducing traffic on residential streets, redesigning high streets to provide space for people, and introducing Dutch-style segregated cycleways.

Orford Road before Mini Holland

and Orford Road after Mini Holland

The scheme has produced dramatic results. Streets that were once shortcuts for speeding motor traffic are now safe spaces where children can play and busy main roads now have high quality, separate space for cycling. Traffic on key roads had fallen by 56 per cent, with 10,000 fewer vehicles per day, and overall traffic in the Borough had reduced by 16 per cent. This success has prompted campaigners to call for the introduction of Mini Holland-inspired schemes in towns and cities across the country.

East Avenue before Mini Holland

and East Avenue after Mini Holland

Paul will provide a valuable insight into how Mini Holland has changed Waltham Forest for the better; the challenges they faced in implementing the projects and how they were able to counter the ‘bikelash’. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to find out what lessons can be learnt from the Waltham Forest experience and how we can help to replicate the success in Sheffield.

Join us on Thursday 15th June from 19.00 at the Showroom cafe bar. As well as Paul’s talk, the AGM and social will be a great opportunity to meet other supporters. We are also looking for people to join the CycleSheffield committee and help us campaign for a more cycle-friendly Sheffield.

Email info@cyclesheffield.org.uk if you’d like to get involved, or to find out more.

You can view/download the presentation here.

5 thoughts on “How can we transform our city? Lessons from London’s Mini-Holland

  1. as a cyclist I’ve seen and been involved in many incidents, some as insignificant as being tutted at for mounting a pavement to close shaves with all manner of motorised vehicles.
    On 11th April, my most recent dispute was with a tram on infirmary road. Travelling towards Hillsborough just past the Tesco superstore.approaching mikes motorcycles.
    a tram came up behind me and proceeded to honk his big horn initially startling me and almost causing me to lose control.for the next couple of hundred yards for about 10 seconds he continued to harass and intimidate me until i could get out of the way safely.
    As i passed Morrisons the tram was sat at the Hillsborough stop. I continued home and even managed to pass the tram on Holme Lane. When i tried to get the drivers details he grabbed me by the throat and arm and forceably pushed backwards. He then closed the doors, told me to get off or he would call the police then drove off. despite voluminous requests, leaving my bike unattended at the Malin Bridge terminus. I immediately reported the incident of assaulted. I emailed details to the tram company complaints a couple days later. When i went to Snig Hill I was cautioned and told the driver had made a similar claim, even down to an injured arm, as i had
    I gave my version of events but discover that there is no audio on tram cctv which would have proved I made no threats as claimed.
    I received court papers on Tuesday 13th June and i’m charged with beating the driver, who stands head and shoulders taller and several sizes wider and riding my bike without due care and attention.
    i’m on benefits and cannot afford a solicitor. can anyone please help or advise. i’m in court in 2 weeks.

  2. Could you contact CTC (Cycle England now I think) and someone from their Road Justice campaign about this ?

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