Whitchurch Cycle Path Fail

 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.

White Hart support for Cycling

 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.

New cycle parking.

Workplace Cycle Parking Grant and E-bike loans

 

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.

Details are here:
CYCLE GRANT