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 for coffees, teas and cakes 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 from Newbury 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 failed to materialise. The increase in cycling visitors and lack of parking 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' which does not seem to be supported locally. 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.

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

 

Recreation Ground Cycle Racks repainted

The cycle parking racks at the Rec (Alliston Way Play Area) in Whitchurch, which were installed a few years ago with the support of children from Whitchurch Primary School, have been repainted.

The 'hoops' had been relocated from the town centre and had been decorated in bright colours with 'fun' ladybird motifs by a local artist.
Sadly these have been now covered with a plain black paint.

School children helped with the original installation, digging the holes and pouring the concrete, under the guidance and watchful eyes of popular Town Mayor Barry Jackman and Mayoress Sandra Jackman.

It was a lovely day and memories of it will remain for a long time.

The Council have been asked if they will be reinstating the children's work.

Local children install the colourful cycle stands

Proud children with the Mayor and Mayoress with the cycle stands they installed

They are now an unexciting black.
Can they be redecorated?

The Sun comes out – and cycle parking is needed

As spring flowers start to appear with snowdrops lining the lanes crocuses starting to show and days getting longer, many people are now getting out on their bikes. Whitchurch is seeing more cyclists visiting the cafés and shops and enjoying the improving weather.

Here we have often mentioned the distinct lack of cycle parking in the town centre and already this is again becoming a matter of concern. 

Arguably the Whitchurch Silk Mill is the most popular refreshment stop having good parking at the front.
rides from other areas such as Go Ride, ladies Breeze groups, and numerous Cycling Clubs from other towns visit regularly. But it is the town centre where the greatest problems arise such as on the pavements outside the Co-op and Kudos. Some cyclists have said they won't stop in Whitchurch, preferring other nearby localities that do provide facilities. Visiting cyclists need to know their often very valuable machines can be secure and unlikely to be stolen, hence they need parking to be in sight. 

Cycling provision improves trade
Even in a locality like Whitchurch which suffers traffic congestion it must be recognised that for every cycle journey made it is very often one less journey made by car, thus easing the roads for those who have to drive. 
Everyone benefits those who cycle, walk or drive.
We have covered this before.

Need for Council support
Quite why our local councils are not supporting the provision of cycle facilities is bewildering, given the proven benefit cycling provides in providing trade to businesses. The lack of adequate cycle parking simply results in more cycles leaning against shopfronts or obstructing pavements which cause annoyance and doesn't help anybody. Suggestions had been made for the use of Plantlock planters but there was not even a response.
https://cyclewhitchurch.blogspot.com/2024/08/use-of-community-infrastructure-levy.html

Platitudes and reports made about supporting sustainable travel, having climate change policies, and supporting green initiatives are a waste of time unless backed up by real actions.

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'Barriers' to Walking and Cycling – a Survey

Hampshire County Council has launched a Survey to determine what issues are 'barriers' to walking and cycling in local areas.

The kind of 'barriers' they are seeking that put people off from walking or cycling include:

• Locations for new cycle parking, or places where existing cycle parking is not meeting demand;
• Staggered or chicane barriers;
• Bollards placed too closely together.

Well-used cycle parking
removed by Whitchurch Town Council

WHITCHURCH has a number of the above 'barriers to cycling' and in particular has suffered from removal of cycle parking and a reluctance to deal with staggered railings on cycle routes.

 
In the town centre, because of parking removal by the local councilpartly to allow motor vehicles on to the pavement (!!!) cycles are again regularly leant against shopfronts causing annoyance to shopkeepers.
This can also make the town unattractive to visit and creates a safety hazard for pedestrians and the mobility impaired.

The town also suffers from excessive congestion, narrow streets and pavements, HGVs and speeding traffic. This is likely to worsen with planned expansion of housing areas.
There are also very few off-road routes with only one bridleway leaving the town that heads northwards.

As a small rural town in the Test valley that attracts a considerable number of cyclists and walkers, facilities need much improvement.

Whitchurch
has several of these

Other examples sought by the Survey are:

• End of route/cyclists rejoin carriageway signs (these are often used interchangeably) and no cycling signs. There are no current plans to remove these, but knowing where they are will help plan better in the future – for example, showing people cycling and where to go when a route ends;
• Crossings that are difficult to use because they don’t have dropped kerbs and tactile paving;
• Dropped kerbs which are not flush with the road; these can make travel difficult for wheelchair users;
• Items such as guard railing, lampposts and signposts which make the pavement too narrow.

The Survey runs until 11:59pm on Sunday 22nd December

The SURVEY can be accessed HERE:
https://www.hants.gov.uk/barriers-walking-cycling

Below

Staggered railings on Council land restrict use
for users of many types of cycles and mobility vehicles.
This is discriminatory and goes against national and local policies.

Below
Cycle parking was removed in the town and cycles are now parked against windows, causing difficulties for cyclists, pedestrians and those with mobility issues:

Below

A suggestion for a combined planting and parking installation was made to the Town Council.
SEE: 

https://cyclewhitchurch.blogspot.com/2024/08/use-of-community-infrastructure-levy.html
A response has not yet been received.
See below, as used in many other heritage locations:

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Use of Community Infrastructure Levy

Whitchurch Town Council has put out a request for suggestions as to how it should spend CIL. Community Infrastructure Levy is a charge which can be levied on new development. It can be used to help deliver the local infrastructure that is needed to support the development. It is collected by the local planning authority, which in this area is Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

The Town Council has stated that it currently holds £13,240.49 of CIL contributions.

It has also stated that:

"The categories of expenditure are Physical (highways & transportation, pedestrian and cycle networks, energy supplies, utilities, flood alleviation measures), Social (education, health, social care, community halls, sports halls) and Green (public open spaces, play areas, parks)."

A suggestion...
Cycle Whitchurch has asked that a small amount of the funding is used to improve cycle parking within the town that would both enhance the street scene, provide an amenity for local and visiting cycle users, and support business and travel needs.
Its provision also supports the aims of the local Neighbourhood Plan, Hampshire's Local Transport Plan and helps mitigate the Climate Emergency.

'Plantlock' cycle parking
It can be placed under
shop windows or in paved areas

Plantlock
The suggestion made is for 'Plantlock' style parking which consists of containers that are dual use – for both containing attractive street enhancing planting as well as providing a place to lock cycles without the need to use shop windows or similar.

It has also been suggested that they could be used for promoting 'edible community planting' such as herbs and similar plants. There are volunteers who could help with this.

Such features are used in many other locations enhancing the local environments.
At low cost it would be a very good use of the some of the CIL monies.
It is hoped Whitchurch Town Council agrees. 

About the Community Infrastructure Levy:
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/policy-and-legislation/CIL/about-CIL

Town Council rejects call for cycle parking

Whitchurch Town Council has rejected a request from a local resident for increasing the cycle parking provision in the town's centre. 

Whitchurch is very popular with visiting cyclists, many of whom bring trade to the town being attracted by the cafés and shops. The town is also often a stop for organised cycle rides and events, and there are local people who use their cycles to visit the local businesses.

However, the lack of suitable cycle parking has led to some cycles being left against shop fronts and in some cases cycles have been left laying on the pavements or even taken into shops blocking doorways.

Council had previously removed cycle stands
Two years ago, in what many felt was a regressive move, the Town Councillors removed most of the cycle parking that had only recently been installed and was starting to be well-used.
Some had claimed that the cycle stands hindered certain businesses from parking vehicles on the pavements for loading/unloading! Meanwhile others considered the Council's decision a knee-jerk reaction to a small orchestrated campaign that went against improving the town centre for all.

The Council reacted by relocating the cycle stands to areas outside the town centre including to the sports ground on the edge of town at Mill Springs where they now sadly reside empty as the sports area remains unused.

Understanding
This latest rejection shows that the Council still has far to go in understanding the wider issues. Towns and villages that recognise the value of provision for cycling (and walking), including parking, invariably see an increase in trade and economic vitality, as well as improving the environment, encouraging Active Travel and supporting Climate Emergency aims. This is also recognised by the Borough and County Councils. Since the cycle parking was removed by the Town Council at least three businesses have closed their doors.

It is a shame the benefits are not seen by Whitchurch Councillors.

*Note: as an aside to the decision not to provide more cycle parking the Councillors requested Whitchurch in Bloom to remove their beautifully decorated cycles from some existing racks. This makes little difference as they did not prevent cyclists using those racks as they simply locked to the colourful bikes. Instead it just removed some lovely bright colour from the town provided by a keen award-winning volunteer group who understand that a pleasant environment attracts more people to use the town facilities.

This cycle parking that helped add trade and vitality was removed by the Town Council. Apparently it was obstructing the pavement – for motorists!

The result of failing to address the need for adequate cycle parking in the town centre means more cycles are still leant against shopfronts or left obstructing footways.
As the weather improves this will inevitably get worse.

Failure to provide adequate cycle parking can lead to obstructions.

Hazards of removing Cycle Parking

Last year Whitchurch Town Council voted to remove a number of cycle parking stands from the town centre. This followed representations from some businesses which believed they restricted the use of the pavements for their loading/unloading. Yes, they wanted to park vehicles on the pavements despite there being parking just yards away.

The irony
As previously covered here, there is much evidence that provision of cycle parking can enhance a town centre's economy yet in Whitchurch that reasoning was not accepted.
Ironically after the cycle parking was removed a number of businesses have closed including the main objectors.
See:
CYCLING BENEFITS

But taking cycle parking away does not remove its need.
Whitchurch is already popular with visiting cyclists who use the cafés and shops, yet they now have to lean their cycles against frontages, which naturally can cause annoyance to shopkeepers.
Worse, some cycles are now left lying on pavements as obstructions, causing trip and unnecessary dangers to pedestrians and are particularly hazardous to the less mobile and sight impaired.

Left lying on the pavement.

The Town Council is urged to follow the aims of both Basingstoke and Hampshire Councils in supporting active travel and to make adequate provision for both local and visiting cyclists, and to show that it supports bringing trade and tourism to the town.
Whitchurch needs Town Centre Cycle Parking.

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.

Value of Town Centre Cycle Parking

  Whitchurch Town Council removed the ‘new’ town centre cycle parking earlier this year as it was deemed to restrict access to some businesses – amongst the reasons it was claimed that it prevented them using the pavements to park on for loading/unloading.

The result is as expected – those visiting town by cycle are again using shop windows, bollards, street signs and drainpipes to lean their cycles against.
This can justifiably upset some people.

Survey
The Town Council ran a survey to seek where parking was required with a number of respondees wanting parking in the town centre close to where they were visiting. However Councillors decided cycle parking should go elsewhere with the racks being moved to locations away from the town centre – in locations totally useless for using the shops or businesses.

But cycling is good for trade
There are numerous studies that have shown provision of such facilities increases trade and they have made themselves into planning policies including those adopted by National Government, County and Borough Councils. Unfortunately Whitchurch lags behind and the town centre with its car congested roads along with pavement parking is seen by some as making it unattractive to visit.
See:
PARKING VALUE and ECONOMICS

Missing the point
Some believe that painting some of the buildings, or smartening the town street furniture with black and gold paint will revitalise the centre into a tourist hotspot. These are in themselves admirable aims but they will not address one of the main underlying blights – that too many unnecessary motor journeys clog the town with motor traffic, increase dangers, raise air pollution, damage the infrastructure and create an unpleasant experience.
At least giving some support to other means of travel would help as has been proven in other localities.

Meanwhile the Urban Cycling group has produced the following image.
It seems to be very pertinent to the situation in Whitchurch in order to support trade and business owners.

E-Bike Charging Points for Whitchurch?

Whitchurch has been asked to consider electric charging points for cycles due to the increase in cyclists visiting the area.

E-bike growth
The growth of electric cycle or e-bike use is an exciting development in the world of sustainable travel where climate change is such a concern. The sales of electric cycles* has dramatically increased over recent years as more people see their advantages, ranging from leisure and utility uses to economic and health benefits.

Whether for a trip into town, a ride to work or exploring our local bridleways and countryside, they can open up a world of independence and fun, while being ‘green’ and supporting the environment. They can support people with mobility/strength problems, assist the elderly to obtain exercise, help office workers arrive fresh and unsweaty, and get you up that hill to the station!

Electric bikes have certainly arrived and they are here to stay.

Electric cycles now outsell cars globally and in China there are even now more e-bikes than cars on the roads. In Europe Germany is leading the way, while in the UK the market is growing by the day. Neither do you have to buy a full bike as there are now many e-bike kits you can fit to an existing bike.

Supporting the e-bike
Meanwhile vast sums are spent by Councils and public bodies for the motorist, so what infrastructure and support can be provided for this expanding and much more environmentally friendly mode of transport?

Charging options
Most e-bikes are charged at home, but many businesses such as cafés will also allow users to quickly top up batteries in just as they allow laptop use or phone charging. Of course buying a coffee and cake while waiting brings trade to the business too.

There are other options too.
One company that has looked at electric charging points is Bosch who in 2018 introduced a ‘PowerStations’ network in certain tourist areas. These consist of secured indoor lockers where batteries could be left to charge.

Others have followed suit with more easily accessible outdoor e-bike charging stations often being installed as part of cycle parking facilities and sometimes linked with repair stands incorporating pumps and sometimes basic tools. However these need to be visible and accessible such as in shopping areas or outside public buildings. If they are hidden away as afterthoughts or located in car parks or service areas they won’t be used.

Will Whitchurch recognise the benefits of supporting the e-bike, its users, and the environmental and economic benefits?
We shall see.

* note that ‘electric cycles’ or ‘e-bikes’ here refers to the legal ones for use in the UK which are pedal assist where the power is only of assistance when the cycle is being actively pedalled and also where the power is shut off at 15.5mph. Other countries have different regulations.

There is a mass of excellent information and advice here:
https://www.cyclinguk.org/cycling-advice/type-cycling/e-bikes

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

Cycle Parking Survey

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:

CYCLE PARKING SURVEY