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)
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’.
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.