Whitchurch BMX Track improvements

BMX track work soon to begin

Work is soon to start on improvements to the Whitchurch mini-BMX track at Daniel Park. The site, adjacent to the Skatepark and the QEII Field, is mainly popular with younger children many of whom have used it to hone their bike handling skills, riding from beginner balance bikes upwards. 

Families have also used the area for picnics while their youngsters play on their bikes in a safely enclosed area.
There have been lots of wide smiles.

Funding allocated
Basingstoke & Deane has acquired funding for the improvements which will include laying an asphalt surface. The current surface is rough with some rocky patches and can, in places, cause potential loss of control. 

The overall costs are believed to be in the region of £20,000.

This will be a much needed improvement which will be welcomed by many.

The Skatepark
While this is very positive news, especially for the younger members of our community, regrettably the adjacent skatepark is still deteriorating leading to major concerns over its safety. Basingstoke has taken note but sadly has no current plans for refurbishments. 

There have also been several calls for the Town Council to request that development funding is used for improving the Skatepark. A local group was formed to support this aim which would restore a much needed facility for the town.

 

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.

•

 

'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:

•

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.

Barrier work continues

The excellent work by Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity, in removing barriers on cycle routes throughout the UK continues.
Barriers can seriously hinder and stop use of cycle routes by a great many people.

Regretably Whitchurch has some which have been brought to the attention of the Town Council.
These barriers have led to several instances of the less mobile not being able to access the Council's Mill Springs open space. 

Sustrans this month issued the following statement:

"Removing barriers will lead to an increase of illegal use and antisocial behaviour."

This is one of the most common concerns we get when removing restrictive barriers on the National Cycle Network. But did you know removing barriers can actually do the opposite?

In our experience barriers often stop people with wheelchairs, adapted cycles, prams and trailers from using the path, but don't actually prevent those with motorbikes from illegally accessing the path. People with motorbikes can often wheel them under, around or lift them over barriers, or if they're really determined simply find an access point further up the path.

 

Removing barriers enables more people to use routes, making them busier, which can in turn make illegal use and antisocial behaviour less likely. In a trial in London, barrier removal led to a 20% increase in use and a reduction in anti-social behaviour.

This creates a positive feedback loop: people are more likely to use safe paths, so as a route gains a reputation for being safe, the number of people using the route goes up, making illegal use and antisocial behaviour less likely. It's a win-win.

Removing barriers is a key priority for us as we work to make the National Cycle Network more accessible.

 

A Draft Cycling Charter

Whitchurch Cycling Charter – Draft
Draft Charter for cycling has been put together by Whitchurch Cycling Bicycle Users Group.

It is hoped that given the increasing population and the expected growth of housing numbers, schooling, employment and business needs, that the importance of recognising all means of transport will be given the attention it deserves.

It is hoped that local councils, organisations, businesses and residents can adopt the aims of the charter as part of improving the town of Whitchurch.
If anyone has any comments or suggestions on this Draft it would be extremely welcome, whatever your main means of road use.
Please use the Contact Form or email whitchurchcycling@gmail.com
Very many thanks.

__________________________

A Vision for Cycling in Whitchurch and its surrounds — Connecting People to Places.

"We, residents, businesses, organisations, schools and colleges of Whitchurch and its surroundings, want a safe cycle network in and around our rural town, connecting surrounding villages and helping to create a sustainable, healthy and vibrant place for our living, working, leisure, health and education."

Whitchurch and its surrounding should be a place where:

• Children and students can cycle to school or college safely.
• People of all ages and ability can feel confident to cycle to places of work, shops, businesses, amenities and for leisure uses.
• Cycling will be the safe, natural choice for a large proportion of everyday journeys.
• Road dangers are removed. 
• Cycling is given equal consideration in all highway planning considerations.
• Visitors and residents using cycles are welcomed and feel safe.

We believe that prioritising cycling would:

• Address the challenges of pavement parking, constricted residential streets, noise and air pollution, inactive lifestyles and the impact of a rising population.
• Help to create a calmer, friendly, carbon-neutral town where people will want to spend more time shopping and socialising, bringing benefit to shops and businesses.
• Enable visitors and residents to more fully enjoy our rich cultural and community heritage.
• Support business by boosting physical and mental health, well-being and productivity of the workforce, bringing local economic benefits and reducing the burden on local health and care services.
• Help achieve Climate Change goals and improve the environment by reducing carbon emissions, air pollution and noise.
• Help to support Neighbourhood Planning by creating better places to live and making it easy for people to move around.

We want cycle amenities to:

• Be an integral part of all highway design.
• Be convenient to users and locations. 
• Provide safe and secure cycle parking throughout the town.
• Include provision for tricycles and non-standard cycle designs including adapted cycles for the mobility impaired and for cargo and family uses.
  
• Comply with current cycle planning legislation including DfT's LTN 1/20.
  
• Comply with all Equality legislation.

We want cycle routes to:

• Link housing, workplaces, shopping and business areas, schools and community amenities across the town and surrounding area.
• 
  Link our local villages and countryside with the centre of Whitchurch.
• Utilise the easiest and most direct routes.
• Be designed to cater without hindrance for non-standard cycles including disability adapted cycles, cycle wheelchairs, hand cycles, tricycles, tandems and cargo cycles.
• Be planned and designed to safely accommodate other users including families with buggies, wheelchair users, disabled people and those who may be visually or hearing impaired.
• Include dedicated cycle infrastructure that ensures safety for unaccompanied 12-year-olds and is designed in line with best practice from around the world.
• Complement public transport to ensure excellent connections within and outside the area.
• Include comprehensive direction signage to localities and facilities in the town and surrounding area.

We want to work with and support our public and private bodies in delivering this better future for the people, businesses, organisations, services and schools of Whitchurch and its surroundings.

Footpath to Bridleway?

 

Start of new surface

FOOTPATH 29 – Could it be a Bridleway?

With the resurfacing of the lower few metres of Footpath 29 at Webbs Farm Close to Mill Springs Bus Bay and the rear Testbourne school gate, the question arises again as to whether the designation of the Public Right of Way should be amended from Footpath to Bridleway.

Archaic law

Currently Footpath 29 is restricted to foot use only and those using cycles or horses are prohibited. The law on the right of way is archaic and it can be argued not fit for purpose. 

Cyclists do not have a 'right of way' on public footpaths, but they are not committing a crime. They are committing the tort of trespass against the landowner, who is the only person who can seek a judicial remedy -– i.e. damages. 

The newly surfaced section of FP29

If you aren't doing any damage then all the landowner can do is ask you to leave. Should you refuse they can call the police and argue a case to have you removed. Realistically this doesn't very often happen!

And then? 

It will still remain a civil matter and the owner would have to pursue you for damages through the civil courts, a very expensive option.

However, regarding Footpath 29, there is a very strong historical case including some clear evidence that it served as a Bridleway in the past, serving local farms. This has led to a current application to have Footpath 29 officially, some would say correctly, designated as a Bridleway. 

Networks and links

From a cycling point of view designating the lower newly resurfaced part as a bridleway, or even as a shared use path, would make a lot of sense. The short resurfaced section joins into the new cycle route to Nun's Walk and Tufton and would provide a link for cycling to school (or even by horse should you wish to travel that way!).  Nun's Walk could also be designated as a Green Lane with access for light local traffic only, providing a safer access to the Test valley, Longparish and the National Cycle Network Route 246.

In addition if the upper unsurfaced section of Footpath 29 were designated as a bridleway, it could create a direct link to the Mill Springs sports pitches/open space as well as providing a route out into the countryside, again promoting active travel and tourism.

Winchester Road

This needs improvement
along Winchester Road

As a supplementary issue, some have called for the footway on Winchester Road between Webbs Farm Close and Micheldever Road to be improved.
Again this makes much sense and provide a much safer pedestrian and cycle route link to the town centre as well as to the Primary School. If the additional Mill Springs housing development takes place such a route would be highly beneficial, as well as it linking directly to the Tufton path.

Summary

In summary, development of a safer network for walking and cycling would greatly benefit the town. It would encourage use of 'greener' and 'active' travel for local school, shopping and business journeys, promote tourism and leisure activity, assist the climate emergency, reduce pollution and assist in reducing the congestion on the roads. These would also relate to some of the Neighbourhood Plan policies.

Designation of FP29 as a Bridleway would help enable all this.

And on horse use

Whilst this 'article' has focussed on cycling, a lot of recognition for the equestrian fraternity should be given particularly for their excellent work in making a case to Hampshire County Council for Footpath 29 to be officially designated as a Bridleway. Their strong case has been submitted to Hampshire County Council for consideration. Unfortunately it is a very long drawn out process. 

Let us hope it happens sooner rather than later.

A map showing suggested links and proposals to improve network:

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.

Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan Update

 

Just a very brief update:
As with all plans and consultations this is no different – it takes a long long time. These are being produced throughout the area and the Basingstoke and Deane plan is towards the end of the programme.

These LCWIPs,
Set out a recommended approach to planning networks of walking zones and cycling routes that connect places that people want to get to, whether for work, education, shopping or for other reasons.

The latest batch of six have just been released for Eastleigh, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, New Forest District (Waterside) and Test Valley Borough (South) and early feedback from other campaign groups is that they seem to have addressed some of the issues raised in the consultations, but ignored others.

That’s the way consultations go, and we await both the Basingstoke Plan which covers Whitchurch, and the adjacent Test Valley (North) Plan with much anticipation.
It is expected that comments at that time will be requested.

Full details of all the LCWIPs are here:
TRANSPORT STRATEGIES

Transport Survey 2022

 

The Hampshire Countryside Service is calling for participation in the National Transport and Highways Survey 2022 and in particular the section relating Public Rights of Way for Walking and Cycling.

They say:
“There are eight short independent surveys in total – the Countryside Service would really like to hear your views on the Walking and Cycling survey as it includes questions regarding the quality and maintenance of Public Rights of Way and their importance.”

Councils across the UK are asking residents to tell them what they think of highways and transport services in their area. The results will help the County Council measure its performance and identify areas for improvement.

Cycle Whitchurch supports completion of this Survey also encourages the other sections should be completed if time permits, although it should only take a few minutes.

The Survey can be found here:
National Transport and Highways Survey 2022

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

Safer Primary School Access for cycling and walking

 

NEWS: Safer Primary School Access for cycling and walking

Work has commenced this week (w/c 25 July 2022) to improve safety for walking and cycling to the Primary School in Whitchurch. It has been scheduled to take place in school holidays.
The area of Alliston Way is notorious for drivers mounting and driving along pavements, and parking on corners and footways, particularly during the school run. This has increased dangers to all and has also resulted in casualties.

Safer for all
The scheme, one of the Whitchurch Accessibility Projects, is designed to make the area safer for all. It is being managed by Hampshire County Council with the support from Basingstoke & Deane and Whitchurch Town Councils.
Funds are primarily from developers’ contributions.

The path alongside Alliston Way and the Play Area is being widened to become ‘Shared Use’ and users are to be given protection from drivers by the use of dragons teeth ‘bollards’ along the kerbside.
A pull-in is also being provided to assist with the difficult sightlines that drivers have to deal with.

New school access
The verge alongside McFauld Way is also to be made into a shared use path, with a raised ‘cushion’ across the entrance to Sheppard Close. This is to provide a road surface level with the path for all who have pushchairs, mobility buggies, wheelchairs, scooters and cycles. There will also be tactile paving.
Pedestrian/cycle access to the school is to be around the rear of the existing garage court to avoid the daily foot/vehicle conflicts in McFauld Way.

Other changes include a better turning within McFauld Way particularly for larger vehicles visiting the school, while there will also be two additional parking spaces.

An earlier report shows the traffic problems in the area. It has taken 7 years for action – but at last something is taking place.
See: A HORRIFIC 20 MINUTES

This pavement driving MUST not be allowed to happen again

Whitchurch on the Map – after 10 years

 

Ten years after a special cycle ride one of the main suggestions has come to fruition.

A new cycle route
The new cycle/foot path linking Whitchurch to Tufton and the Test valley countryside is now open. It followed years of lobbying that started with a special cycle ride in April 2012 arranged for Town, Borough and County councillors, the Mayor at the time Barry Jackman, and the cycling baronet MP Sir George Young.

Safer access to the countryside
2022 now sees a much safer access route has now been constructed joining the town to Nuns Walk at Tufton and southwards into the tranquil countryside with its chalk streams, thatched cottages and country pubs. This also leads through to the National Cycle Network route No.246 (NCN246) which follows the Test and Bourne valleys.
It is also encouraging to see wild flowers starting to appear adjacent to the path, adding colour to the roadsides and providing habitats for insects and wildlife.

Cyclists are already being attracted to use the route which runs from Webbs Farm Close, along Winchester Road, past Mill Springs to a 90 degree crossing point near Clock Barn turn. It then goes under the A34 to Tufton, avoiding the necessity to cross the notorious A34 exit slip road while improving sightlines and visibility.

Part of a network
With an existing cycle path at the Shuttle Street junction into Mill Springs, it also has potential to join up with the cycle route through to the new Sports pitches and Micheldever Road, as well linking into the rear of Testbourne Community School. Cycling into school or to the sports area open space from the south of town has never been easier.

The project has been funded from developers contributions and put in place as a part of a wider Whitchurch Accessibility Scheme by Hampshire County Council.

Teething problems
Signage
As with all schemes there are a few teething problems. The signage seems rather awry in places and there are no clear signs at the start.
It would also be helpful to have Cyclist/Pedestrian crossing point warning signs when approaching the southern Winchester Road crossing from the north and also at the exit of Shuttle Street and Webbs Farm Close.

Bollards and bins
Some wooden bollards have also been placed in a section near the Charlcot housing entrances which have already caused danger to some users while refuse bins have also been stored on the path. However these are all relatively minor issues and should be easy to remedy, so maybe some more friendly lobbying is required.

“It’s great…”
For now the route it is a welcome addition to the area, and summed up by a recent family of cyclists heading towards the countryside with “It’s great, isn’t it” 

Where it all started – April 2012
Pictured below are those who took part in the cycle ride in April 2012 to look at the town’s cycling facilities, or rather lack of them, and which kicked off the idea for the new route. It’s a good plan that has now come to fruition.

Left to right in 2012 (below):
Harriet Titcomb (resident), Barry Jackman (Town Mayor), Jackie Day (Town Councillor), Claire Isbester (resident), Dave Titcomb (Town Councillor), Sir George Young (MP), Eric Dunlop (Borough Councillor), John Buckley (Hampshire Cycle Training and organiser), photo by Andrew Reeves-Hall (resident).

ABOVE: April 2012
Discussing the possible crossing point near the A34.
In 2022 this was eventually provided.

ABOVE: July 2022
Cyclists using the new crossing point near the A34.