ManMetRiders

Minutes of the meeting hold on 19^th March 2008

Present:          Jason Barker (Hollings)

                        Simone Bol

Lynn Bonser (Green Travel Plan)

Marie Carroll (Eng & Tech)

Nick Devine (JD Faculty Office)

Jo Femia (Chatham)

Margaret Fowler (Eng & Tech)

Neil Grant (Chatham)

Jon Greenley (All Saints Library)

Kerr Hamilton (PROMPT)

Andrew Hough (Higher Education Precinct Travel Coordinator)

Robin Johnson (Business School)

Guy Lancaster (Sociology)

Billy Logan (Grosvenor)

David McKendry (Env & Geog)

Carrie Millerchip (Sport – Cavendish)

Mike O’Mear (Grosvenor)

Tony Scallan (Computing & Maths)

Wayne Shorrocks (PROMPT)

Paul Wright (Didsbury)

1.             Welcome and introductions

Kerr Hamilton and Wayne Shorrocks from PROMPT were welcomed to the meeting.

2.             Shower and cycle parking facilities

Kerr informed the group that funding was currently available for a single shower ‘pod’ at each of the Aytoun, Geoffrey Manton and Didsbury sites.  There was also £15,000 available for a shelter at Geoffrey Manton.  It was intended that the shelter would be an ‘off the shelf’ product, which would have swipe-card entry.  It was intended that the same would be installed in Didsbury.  Other money would be identified when it was clearer what was required.

It was noted that the gym at Didsbury already has showers and changing facilities, but they do not open until 10am.  If they could be opened earlier, it might mean that another shower would not be required.  This would be investigated.

There was a wide ranging discussion about what facilities people felt were a priority.  Locked storage was agreed to be the most important.  It was emphasised that storage areas must be adequate for users’ needs and must be easily accessible, to ensure that they would be used. As an example, it was reported that some of the Sheffield stands installed around Aytoun were poorly located, too close to a wall, so that a bike could only be locked to one side rather than two.  It was suggested that, if possible, these stands be moved so that they could be used by more people.  Some group members felt that showers were very important, whilst others felt that a clothes drying area was more important.  It was suggested that the facilities should include a coin-operated tumble drier. 

Kerr showed the group some pictures of cycle shelters that were being considered.  There was also a discussion about the intended locations of the facilities already planned for Aytoun, Geoffrey Manton and Didsbury.  Attendees from those sites commented on the suitability of the proposed locations and the comments were noted by Kerr.  It was agreed that a further meeting would be organised to discuss in greater detail the type of storage facility that should be installed.

A question was raised to Kerr asking whether a new-build facility was still planned for somewhere around the All Saints building.  The original intention, discussed approximately 18 months ago, was that there would be a dedicated building that would include showers, lockers and changing facilities, located somewhere around the All Saints building.  Kerr confirmed that the facility was still being considered, but was being dealt with by Capital Projects.

The general consensus at the end of the discussion was that it would be better to wait and put proper facilities in place than spend money on smaller less-than-adequate facilities as a quick-fix, particularly if there may be more money available in the future.

3.             Cycle lockers at Aytoun and Elizabeth Gaskell

It was reported that there were a few cycle lockers already installed at Aytoun and Elizabeth Gaskell.  It was reported that the two lockers at Elizabeth Gaskell were not being used, perhaps because there was no apparent problem with bikes being stolen from that site.  It was agreed that we should consider moving the lockers to an alternative site.

It was suggested that, for those who commute, it would be helpful if railway stations provided cycle lockers.  Andrew Hough said that many railway stations have lockers, and that they generally seem to be unused.  He reported that there is a Bike Lockers Users Club in Manchester.   Information can be found on their website at http://www.gmpte.com/content.cfm?subcategory_id=5081801.

4.             Date of next meeting

The next meeting was organised for Thursday 10^th April at 12pm.  The purpose of the meeting would be to agree with Kerr Hamilton the type/location of shelters and showers preferred by the group.

5.             Any other business

Andrew Hough informed the group of an even to be held on Friday 11^th April aimed at preventing theft of cycles.  Free locks and lights would be available, as well as security marking.  The event would be located near to the Manchester University Refectory on Oxford Road.