Bicycles adding colour to the streets

The wonderful team of volunteers from Whitchurch in Bloom, led by Kathy Hardy and Caroline Wells, have continued in their quest to add colour to the town's street scene, this time using the Bicycle.

Decorated cycles
Whitchurch in Bloom have started to add themed decorated cycles to the town centre. 

First was a February 14th Valentine's Day special, painted in loveable pink and adorned with roses and hearts. 

It turned a few eyes.

Now they have created a March 17th St Patrick's Day wheeler, finished in Irish Green with shamrocks. 

Brightening the town
The team have also been locating planters and baskets around the town in an aim to brighten the streets, generate pride in the town, build a sense of community and to make a challenge in the Britain in Bloom competition.

They have been out planting bulbs, weeding streets, laying wood chippings, collecting rubbish and fundraising through quizzes – and have lovingly been called Whitchurch's "Nutty Heroes".

In 2022 their work achieved 'Silver Gilt' recognition in the Small Town category, and were just two points away from gold.

With the help of the bicycles they may achieve that honour.
They certainly deserve it.

Fundraising
Whitchurch in Bloom are currently running a fundraising campaign to purchase new planters and flowers for 2023.

Their page is here:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/whitchurch-in-bloom-spring-summer-2023

Whitchurch in Bloom
Adding colour to the town.

Pedalling for the Sheep Fair

It is just 8 weeks to a lovely event to support the Overton Sheep Fair – the Popham Pedal in which anyone can take part.

It is being held on Sunday 14th May 2023

The Popham Pedal is a on-road cycling event over a choice of three signposted and marshalled routes around the scenic Hampshire countryside and will be raising funds for the Sheep Fair.

The Overton Sheep Fair has become one of the area's most notable and enjoyable events. The current format was introduced in 2000 to mark the Millennium as Overton had held sheep fairs from medieval times until the early 20th century.

Held every four years it provides a wealth of exciting activities with music, a fairground, procession, market stalls and exhibitions. The whole family is catered for.

The next Sheep Fair is on the 20th – 21st July 2024.

The cycle rides all start at Popham Airfield with a choice of an easy 15-mile, a moderate 40-mile and a challenging 60-mile route. There is a refreshment stop half-way, and mechanical support will be available.

Details and entry form are here:
POPHAM PEDAL

Dangers at Mill Springs

Mill Springs on the edge of Whitchurch is in the news again as a young cyclist lost control which nearly resulted in her suffering a serious injury.

The quality of work has often been criticised with the latest concerning the granite setts that have been installed into the roads at various points around the development.

At a minimum there should be a filling between the setts or cycle wheels can fall into the gaps that can result in a fall.

It is another example of planning and construction that fails to recognise the safety needs of those who cycle.

Hopefully the failure to build a safe surface that is suitable for all road users will be addressed before someone is seriously hurt.

Reporting defects
Whitchurch is also suffering a large number of potholes and broken road surfaces which can result in a loss of control leading to injury or worse. 
These should be reported to Hampshire County Council.

REPORTING HIGHWAY PROBLEMS

Dangerous surface for cycling.

Cycling increases trade for businesses

Parking for drivers to access shops and business has always been an ‘issue’ in Whitchurch.

Recent proposals to introduce charging at the car parks have become a hot potato as it was claimed it would affect trade for local businesses.

This raises an interesting question over the Town Council's removal of the new cycle parking from the town centre, led mainly by a small number of businesses.
So what exactly is best for trade?

The Department for Transport has published a research document on this subject – the ‘Value of Cycling’ in conjunction with Birmingham University.
Key Headline findings include a section on ‘Local Economic Benefits’.

This section includes:

• Cyclists visit local shops more regularly, spending more than users of most other modes of transport; 
• Per square metre, cycle parking delivers 5 times higher retail spend than the same area of car parking; 
• A compact town optimised for walking and cycling can have a “retail density” (spend per square metre) 2.5 times higher than a typical urban centre. 

Forward looking towns embrace this concept to increase their prosperity.

Importantly the Department for Transport document also includes the following:

“…reports show adding facilities such as bicycle racks and bicycle lanes can actually increase economic activity, and also help create a buffer from moving traffic that aids both pedestrian and bicyclist activity.” 

Can a lively vibrancy and economic buzz in Whitchurch town centre be created?

A group of visiting cyclists choose the Silk Mill for refreshments with its convenient cycle parking.