Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Whitchurch Cycle Parking

 The improving weather has been great news for Whitchurch. This June's recent warm spell has seen cyclists visiting the town in droves, using the cafés, pubs and shops, all adding to the local economy The number of cyclists has increased attracted by the lovely location and especially the number of cycle friendly establishments, Kudos Coffee and the Silk Mill being prime examples.

Cyclists visiting Kudos in Whitchurch, June 2026.

It is a well-known through numerous studies that people cycling tend to spend more in local shops than others, bringing trade and economic benefits to localities as well as increasing health and reducing associated costs.

Visiting cyclists enjoy the town's cafés.


Well-used racks which were removed.
Sadly a few years ago the council decided to remove a number of well-used cycle racks from the town centre following pressure from a handful of traders, the main objector having since left the town. Promised replacement facilities have also failed to materialise. This increase in cycling visitors has led to some shop fronts and pavements being obstructed as had been predicted.

Is 'Active Travel' ignored?
Recommendations and policies through National, County and Borough bodies all call for supporting 'Active Travel'.
As nice a town as it is, Whitchurch sometimes seems trapped in a timewarp with the result that there is increasing congestion and pressures on the road systems that lead to greater dangers and frustrations for all.
The conflicts which occur are both unnecessary, distressing to all involved and above all are avoidable. 

Quite why some of our councils seem blind to taking any action is bewildering, especially when it has been highlighted in their own surveys?

PLEASE – Why cannot they install some suitable cycle parking?

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See also the suggestion for cycle parking planters which have been provided in other Hampshire small towns.
The local council rejected these.
See:
https://cyclewhitchurch.blogspot.com/2024/08/use-of-community-infrastructure-levy.html

 








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