It is not only the below-standard cycle barriers that restrict users that are causing problems, but now the path surface itself is breaking up, and that’s all before the cycle route / pathway is officially handed into public ownership.
There are now further problems developing on the Mill Springs shared Footpath/CycleWay.
Small mounds are appearing in the tarmac surface as organic material below that had not been removed is starting to push through the substandard construction. These ‘mounds’ are already starting to crack. Over the winter any water in them will freeze and expand, breaking up the surface further and creating a danger not only for cycling but also as a trip hazard to pedestrians and anyone with sight or mobility impairments.
The issue has been brought to the attention of Whitchurch Town Council as this should really be remedied before the path is handed over from the developer into public ownership.
If not dealt with now it may result in expensive maintenance and repair costs as well as potential legal claims which could then fall on local residents to pay. Most are starting to appear at the top end of the site but they are appearing lower down too.
The longer it is left the worse it will become.
Below – just some of the cracks already appearing.
“A new trial scheme will test how a healthier and safer environment for young people walking and cycling to school could be achieved. It will create low traffic areas at the start and end of the school day…”
Hampshire County Council is running a trial at three schools where streets close to schools will be closed to non-essential traffic at drop-off and pick-up times.
Could the roads near the Primary School in Whitchurch benefit from such a scheme?
HCC say:
The closures will be managed by trained stewards in high-visibility vests between 08.15 – 09.00 hours and 14:30 -15.30 hours approximately. “
“Certain exemptions apply, including anyone cycling, residents, emergency services, school transport, blue badge holders, deliveries, businesses within affected area of the street and carers of residents on the street. Any parking restrictions will operate as normal. Unless exempt, parents will not be permitted to drive into the closure zone to drop off or pick up their children.
School traffic around the two Whitchurch schools is known to be notorious for speeding traffic, blockage of drives, parking on and driving along the pavements and drivers leaving engines idling.
If the trials in Farnham, Gosport and Holbury in the New Forest are successful it is hoped to roll out schemes throughout the County.
As part of a Highway Code review in perhaps one of the most long-awaited developments, a new hierarchy of priority has been announced by the Department for Transport.
Could this benefit some of the traffic problems in Whitchurch?
The hierarchy places pedestrians at the top and the heaviest and potentially most lethal road users at the bottom. To see such a principle introduced could see major benefits for those who travel around Whitchurch which suffers from narrow pavements, poor crossings, speeding traffic, HGVs and a lack of cycle facilities.
With reference to cycling, a DfT statement said “car drivers will be responsible for ensuring cyclists are safe, while cyclists will be responsible for looking out for pedestrians ”, adding that the hierarchy “does not remove the need for all road users to behave responsibly.”
Is this one of the worst fails for a barrier on a cycle path?
It has already been noted that the barriers installed on the Mill Springs shared Cycle/Pedestrian path cannot be used by a number of users, yet they still remain.
The chicane restrictions are an accessibility nightmare for cycles using a trailer or a family tagalong. They could also restrict work bikes, tandems, hand cycles and tricycles, and that’s before the needs of mobility scooters are considered. Double buggies are also likely to be hindered.
Barriers do not reach the design standards for accessibility:
1.DfT Local Transport Note LTN 1/20: The barriers fail the Government's published design guidance (LTN 1/20) that states very clearly that:
“Access control measures, such as chicane barriers and dismount signs, should not be used.”
2.Basingstoke and Deane’s Cycling Strategy states:
“Users of specialised equipment – includes users of trailers, trailer cycles, tandems and tricycles, as well as disabled people using hand cranked machines. This group requires wide facilities free of sharp bends and an absence of pinch points or any other features that force cyclists to dismount.”
3. Furthermore the barriers fail to comply with the legal requirements of the 2010 Equalities Act.
“The first requirement is a requirement, where a provision, criterion or practice of A’s puts a disabled person at a substantial disadvantage in relation to a relevant matter in comparison with persons who are not disabled, to take such steps as it is reasonable to have to take to avoid the disadvantage.“
Dismounting is a substantial disadvantage and not an option for the majority of users of adaptive cycles, such as handcycles, trikes and so on, and requiring a dismount for users of such ‘cycles’ is a contravention of EA2010 S.20(3)(4), and constitutes an act of direct discrimination under Equality Act 2010, Section 21.
4. Another question is being asked – was an Equalities Impact Assessment undertaken? Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council as the planning authority should be able to provide that, but haven’t.Why? Because they didn't!
THE ABOVE NEEDS ADDRESSING AND CAN BE – SIMPLY. WE ARE BEING LET DOWN
Maintenance and Emergency Access But another problem is occurring especially at the western end near the sports changing rooms. The installation is also restricting access to maintenance and other vehicles for the three sports pitches. While there are two bollards that can be unlocked to allow access, vehicles are then confronted with the staggered barriers across the path. These vehicles are taking to the surrounding grassed areas, completely destroying it and creating a stony bare unsightly eyesore – and when it rains stones and mud get washed down into the road below causing additional hazards. What will happen when emergency vehicles need to reach the Sports pitches is going to be a major problem.
Grass is dead/worn away. Grass and flowers to the left, mud and stones to the right.
Can anything be done? Yes. The area is currently under the management of Mill Springs developer David Wilson Homes, but will soon pass into the ownership and responsibility of the Whitchurch Town Council. This should be remedied before that takes place. Let us hope that before the site is handed into public ownership this issue is resolved or future costs may rest on local residents. It has also been suggested that should anyone fall trying to negotiate the barriers it could also lead to potential injury claims.
The solution would seem to be a very simple one; remove the superfluous staggered barriers both here and at the other end; retain lockable bollards to retain access for service vehicles; make access to all legitimate users possible; comply with requirements of the 2010 Equality Act, and remove the need for maintenance vehicles to churn up the grass. Sorted. Except it isn’t, at least not yet.
NATIONALLY Its not just local routes that suffer such poor designs but also the Sustrans led National Cycle Network. Listen to hand cyclist Ellis Palmer, then look at the barriers in Whitchurch at Micheldever Road end of the Mill Springs path (pic below): Link to Video: BARRIERS ON NATIONAL ROUTES(Sustrans / Ellis Palmer)
Micheldever Road end – Substandard design makes it virtually impossible to negotiate safely by cycles or mobility scooter without leaving the path.
New cycle parking has been installed at the White Hart in the centre of Whitchurch.
Cycling levels have increased considerably recently, with Whitchurch becoming a popular destination. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, gentle lanes and river valleys and with a selection of shops and cafés, it has hit the cyclists radar as can be seen by the numbers who visit. Research has shown that investment in cycling facilities can increase revenue considerably resulting in forward looking businesses supporting the activity.
Owned by family brewers Arkell’s, the White Hart provides excellent food, drinks, and accommodation, with a very friendly welcome and is highly recommended. Dedicated cycle parking is low in the town after the Town Council removed parking provision from the centre although it is looking to relocate it elsewhere. That exercise is believed to be ongoing.
An important requirement by those who cycle is that parking should be very close to and convenient to where they are visiting. The White Hart achieves this with the parking incorporated into its new outdoor area. A visit to the White Hart should not be missed.
Hampshire County Council has launched a new grant scheme, to encourage organisations and businesses, to promote cycling as an alternative and environmentally friendly way to get to work.
THIS COULD BE GOOD FOR WHITCHURCH
The Workplace Cycle Parking Grant and E-Bike (Electric Bike) Loan scheme enables organisations and businesses to apply for a grant to install safe and sheltered workplace parking or an E-Bike loan that employees can make use of.
The deadline for applications is 13th August 2021 and organisations can apply online.
£150,000 has been allocated for the grant scheme which has come from the Department for Transport’s £3.28 million Active Travel Fund.
Organisations that will be able apply for a Workplace Cycle Grant or E-bike loan are:
• Individual organisations; • Groups of two or more organisations e.g., a retail park; • NHS and other health care providers; • Schools, colleges, and other educational providers; • Charities and community interest companies; • Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises; and • Limited companies.
Has anyone used the new Shared Cycle/Pedestrian path at Mill Springs in Whitchurch?
‘Chicane’ barriers have been erected at each end that are making it difficult for a number of users. (click on pics to enlarge)
Micheldever Road ‘chicane’ barriers.
Staggered ‘chicane’ railings have been placed on the David Wilson Homes development that are causing access issues making the route less convenient and appealing to those it is supposed to cater for.
These are especially awkward for those with pushchairs, prams, wheelchairs or using mobility scooters, as well as for larger cycles such as tandems, tricycles, cargo bikes or those with the popular family trailers and tagalongs. For some the barriers make it impassable. While there has not been a legal case they may also be breaking the requirements of the 2010 Equality Act.
The picture at the Micheldever Road end shows that some people are avoiding the barriers by going around them. That of course is not possible for some with mobility scooters or with less manoeuverable cycles. There has even been an attempt to block this desire line, with installation of a ‘bollard bodge’.
Mill Spring ‘chicane’ barriers.
Meanwhile at the other end of the path, by the new changing rooms, there are also barriers and bollards, again with similar access issues. Here there are two removable bollards which are fine for controlling access by motor vehicles, but then another ‘chicane’ barrier. The result is that maintenance vehicles have been churning up the grass to go around the staggered barriers. Why was this placed here? It would be useful to hear the thinking!
Such chicane barriers are being removed in parts of the country – yet here in Whitchurch they are installed. Whitchurch should, and can, do better.
Is this one of the worst fails for a barrier on a cycle path?
It has already been noted that the barriers installed on the Mill Springs shared Cycle/Pedestrian path cannot be used by a number of users, yet they still remain.
The chicane restrictions are an accessibility nightmare for cycles using a trailer or a family tagalong. They could also restrict work bikes, tandems, hand cycles and tricycles, and that’s before the needs of mobility scooters are considered. Double buggies are also likely to be hindered.
Barriers are below design standard for accessibility:
1. DfT Local Transport Note LTN 1/20: The barriers fail the Governments published design guidance (LTN 1/20) that states very clearly that: “Access control measures, such as chicane barriers and dismount signs, should not be used.”
2. Basingstoke and Deane’s Cycling Strategy states: “Users of specialised equipment – includes users of trailers, trailer cycles, tandems and tricycles, as well as disabled people using hand cranked machines. This group requires wide facilities free of sharp bends and an absence of pinch points or any other features that force cyclists to dismount.”
3. Furthermore the barriers fail to comply with the legal requirements of the 2010 Equalities Act. “The first requirement is a requirement, where a provision, criterion or practice of A’s puts a disabled person at a substantial disadvantage in relation to a relevant matter in comparison with persons who are not disabled, to take such steps as it is reasonable to have to take to avoid the disadvantage.“ Dismounting is a substantial disadvantage and not an option for the majority of users of adaptive cycles, such as handcycles, trikes and so on, and requiring a dismount for users of such ‘cycles’ is a contravention of EA2010 S.20(3)(4), and constitutes an act of direct discrimination under Equality Act 2010, Section 21.
4. Another question is being asked – was an Equalities Impact Assessment undertaken? Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council as the planning authority should be able to provide that, but haven’t.
THE ABOVE NEEDS ADDRESSING AND CAN BE – SIMPLY. WE ARE BEING LET DOWN
But another problem is occurring especially at the western end near the sports changing rooms. The installation is also restricting access to maintenance vehicles for the three sports pitches. While there are two bollards that can be unlocked to allow access, maintenance vehicles are then confronted with the staggered barriers across the path. These vehicles are taking to the surrounding grassed areas, completely destroying it and creating a stony bare unsightly eyesore – and when it rains stones and mud get washed down into the road below causing additional hazards.
Grass is dead/worn away. Grass and flowers to the left, mud and stones to the right.
Can anything be done? Yes. The area is currently under the management of Mill Springs developer David Wilson Homes, but will soon pass into the ownership and responsibility of the Whitchurch Town Council. This should be remedied before that takes place. Let us hope that before the site is handed into public ownership this issue is resolved or future costs may rest on local residents. It has also been suggested that should anyone fall trying to negotiate the barriers it could also lead to potential injury claims.
The solution would seem to be a very simple one; remove the superfluous staggered barriers both here and at the other end; retain lockable bollards to retain access for service vehicles; make access to all legitimate users possible; comply with requirements of the 2010 Equality Act, and remove the need for maintenance vehicles to churn up the grass. Sorted. Except it isn’t, at least not yet.
NATIONALLY Its not just local routes that suffer such poor designs but also the Sustrans led National Cycle Network. Listen to hand cyclist Ellis Palmer, then look at the barriers in Whitchurch at Micheldever Road end of the Mill Springs path (pic below): Link to Video: BARRIERS ON NATIONAL ROUTES(Sustrans / Ellis Palmer)
Micheldever Road end – Substandard design makes it virtually impossible to negotiate safely by cycles or mobility scooter without leaving the path.
Whitchurch Town Council has launched a survey to find out where cycle parking could be provided in the town. If you visit Whitchurch, even if only occasionally, you can help.
Do you visit the cafés, shops, parks, businesses, local services? Where would help you?
Early in 2020 the Town Council had installed parking racks in the centre to help prevent leaning on windows and to provide facilities for cyclists wanting to call into the cafés and shops. A number of local businesses along with some residents lobbied the Council and the decision was overturned and the racks removed. Where do these cycle parking racks now go? There are 8 available.
It is noticeable that cycling has massively increased and with the easing in lockdown and the better weather it is likely to grow further.
Cycles are already starting to be leant against walls and windows in the centre as cyclists like to park close to where they are visiting. Cyclists bring trade, as well as easing road space, reducing NHS costs and helping Climate Change aims so we should be encouraging it even more.
The Town Council’s Survey is here and runs until 26th April 2020:
Could Whitchurch have an inclusive cycling facility akin to the Wheels for Wellbeing charity scheme, now we have a potential location at Mill Springs?
These centres are popping up across the country to help those of all ages and abilities who wish to cycle safely, as well as help the less able enjoy exercise, the outdoors and meeting others.
Inclusivity, well-being, independence… As well as general support for anyone who wishes to cycle they provide a range of cycles of various types to help both those less able and those who are maybe returning to cycling and to help maintain independence, join in a social activity, improve health, address inequalities and have fun – and with the added benefit that all helps our climate change needs too.
SUSTRANS is a leader in providing support for inclusive cycling.
Support for training Such a centre could provide a location for road safety training for young people, for learning to ride sessions and for confidence building to use our roads.
In addition there may be the opportunity to couple it with a small maintenance/training facility to help people fix their own bikes and learn simple bike care, or for young people to learn about cycle mechanics and repairs for future employment skills.
Mill Springs could be a suitable site with access to the new cycle path, close proximity to open areas for learning/confidence building, easy access to the Skatepark/BMX track and wider routes out into the local countryside.
Could this be for Whitchurch? Its just an idea at the moment, but one that could grow, Being central also to Basingstoke, Newbury, Andover and Winchester, it might even attract others to our town. Whitchurch could become a true centre for cycling, not just for inclusive cycling but also in attracting visitors to its shops, businesses and the wonderful countryside that surrounds the town. Anyone up for it as a local project?
Whitchurch could be due to lose its public loos, along with other locations in north Hampshire as the cuts are made to services.
Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council who run the facility is hoping to transfer the responsibility to Whitchurch Town Council but if that isn’t agreed then they will be closed. The same applies to St Mary Bourne, Kingsclere and Tadley.
Many cyclists, and other visitors as well as residents, find the public toilets essential. They come to Whitchurch, enjoy the cafés, buy refreshments and often will need the loo. Cycling events that attract hundreds of participants such as the Audax rides or local Sportives and Charity rides pass through the town too, using it as a refreshment stop.
It’s not just for cyclists comfort though, as cycling is one of the most valuable activities a town can attract, with cyclists spending more than other visitors, bringing trade to local businesses.
Covid has also made public conveniences even more important with the need for regular hand washing and cleanliness and they are of utmost importance to families with young children, the disabled and elderly.
To close this essential service will make the town less attractive to visit. Closing them is short-sighted.
Whitchurch is surrounded by beautiful countryside much of it ideal for off-road cycling. However, the town itself only has one bridleway on which cycling is permitted that provides direct access – from Bloswood Drive northwards over the railway and towards Egbury. Other routes are either on-road with sharing motor traffic, or footpaths on which cycles are not permitted. Should there be others?
CyclingUK, the national charity that works for the interests of cycling are asking for details of any ‘missing links’. Duncan Dollimore, CyclingUK’s head of campaigns, has said: “We want to gather personal stories that show how much we could gain by improving off-road access”.
He explains:
“With close to 80% of the rights of way network in England off-limits to cyclists, it can be really difficult to link up a route on bridleways and byways. Opening up more of our existing network of off-road trails provides so much potential for safe traffic-free routes, and is a cost-effective way of enabling more people to cycle."
Where could there be better access to our countryside? It is known that some in the equestrian community would also like some footpaths opened up as bridleways. What about for cycling? If you know of any routes around Whitchurch please let CyclingUK know: OPENING UP THE COUNTRYSIDE
It is not only the below-standard cycle barriers that restrict users that are causing problems, but now the path surface itself is breaking up, and that’s all before the cycle route / pathway is officially handed into public ownership.
