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

 

Danger at Primary School

 Vehicle conflict at local school

The school run is well-known throughout the country for the blocking of roads, parking on pavements and drives, stopping on bends and causing frustration and dangers to local residents and other more vulnerable road users.
Whitchurch in Hampshire is no different.

Primary School access road

Danger from drivers
Last week a young cyclist was involved in an incident at Whitchurch Primary School that led to a message being sent out to parents.
A driver was reversing out of a bay and "almost reversed into a child on a bike".
There was no report of the cyclist doing anything wrong.

The school responded
In a surpring response the school has asked cyclists to get off and walk saying:

"We had a near miss today where a car reversing out of the parking bays along the edge of the field, almost reversed into a child on a bike. Please can all cyclists dismount at the bottom of the hill and walk up the path, and be mindful of cars pulling in and out of bays".

There is no mention of any drivers being penalised, although there is an added line asking 'cars' (rather than the drivers !!) to "please be alert to anyone travelling up the road whilst reversing out."

Removing the danger
Perhaps these 'cars' should park elsewhere and the drivers/adults walk with their children so the cause of the danger can be removed rather than placing the onus on the young cyclists.
Maybe the 'cars' should also look to see if it's safe before moving, which would be in line with the hierarchy of responsibilities as set out in the Highway Code. 

There are solutions
Rather than putting the burden of responsibility on the young still developing child, perhaps there should first be a calling for slower speeds, safer road design and increasing driver skills.
Or is that too alien a concept in today's era of Motornormativity?*

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Not the first time
This is not the first time there has been a conflict on the entrance road to this school. Many may remember when a parent threatened to close the road to prevent the drivers causing danger to cyclists.

Mike Stead, a local resident at the time, who cycled to the school with his family, said:

"You are forcing my hand here. I will not stand by and see my wife and child physically endangered because the school, Hampshire County Council and the police dither and refuse to properly enforce the law/responsible behaviour ..... You have a week to sort this, then I shut the road down. Your call"

Times don't seem to have changed.

Whitchurch Primary School should be addressing the cause of the dangers first rather than penalising children for the dangerous actions of others.

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* Motornormativity

Motornormativity (or Motornormality) is an implicit cognitive bias where society assumes private car ownership and usage is the normal, natural, and necessary mode of travel.

This bias leads to a high tolerance for the risks, pollution, and spatial demands of cars, often treating them as inevitable compared to sustainable travel options. 

and

The bias is reinforced by cultural narratives that supremacise cars and their drivers, and stigmatise and marginalise pedestrians, cyclists, and other modes of transport.

 

Cycle route improvements in Andover

A section of the National Cycle Network (NCN246) that passes through Andover is planned to have improvements made.

Hampshire County Council is planning to make it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel (use a wheelchair or mobility scooter) and cycle in Andover and have launched a Survey (details below).

The proposed scheme will improve the route connecting Western Avenue, Folly Roundabout, and Charlton Road, helping people travel more safely without needing a car. This is also part of National Cycle Network Route 246.

It comprises of:

New walking and cycling route

A grade separated path will be built for people walking, wheeling and cycling from the Western Avenue underpass to Folly Roundabout and linking to Charlton Road.

This will help keep everyone safer by keeping them away from busy traffic.

Safer road crossing

A new parallel crossing for walking, wheeling and cycling will be created on the Charlton Road arm of the roundabout and there will be improvements to the crossing of Western Avenue, by the roundabout.

This will provide facilities so that people walking, wheeling and cycling can cross more easily and safely.

Better local connections

The route will make it easier to get to schools, shops, and bus stops, helping more people choose walking, wheeling or cycling instead of driving.

It will also link to existing routes north of Andover Town Centre and complement Test Valley Borough Council’s Riverside Park regeneration scheme.

It supports:

• cutting carbon emissions by encouraging walking and cycling
• helping people live healthier, more active lives
• making it easier for everyone to get around, especially without a carIn the majority of cases funding comes from external grants and / or Section 106 contribution from developers.

Full details including the SURVEY are here:
https://sway.cloud.microsoft/5bsbiGWuxXJaZ3Qr?ref=Link

Route 246:
https://www.walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-246/

Whitchurch BMX Track update

Work took place as expected in September to improve the 'BMX' pump track adjacent to the skatepark at Daniel Park, Whitchurch, which comes under the responsibility of Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council.

Public reaction
The public reaction on local social media erupted with a surge of disappointment when a resident posted photographs of the work that was due to cost £20,000. When such public funds are used it is expected they will be used wisely and work carried out to an acceptable standard.

Comments on social media from local residents had included:

"Oh my god, that’s worse. Clearly whoever decided this was better didn’t consult with anyone who knows anything about bikes or bmx tracks!! Can we ask them to change it back as this is ridiculous."

"That tarmac will be crumbled and it will be so gravely by the summer kids be falling off all the time"

"Is this a joke? Who signed off on that?"

and

"As a community what can we do about this?

Basingstoke Council approached
Basingstoke Council had also been asked if they had consulted with users, cycling clubs or national bodies, but it seems not. This is a major oversight and very disappointing. Sending letters to a few nearby residents is not consultation.
This omission has not been explained.

Concerns have also been raised in a meet at the site with BDBC with these and other issues raised.

Smoother and safer? 

Parts are better, others too narrow
The main 'improvements' at Daniel Park have consisted of an asphalt surface being been laid on top of the existing dirt track to provide a smoother and safer facility for the users.

Although the surface is now less rough, in places it is quite narrow though it widens out on the turns. 

In some places it is less than 2ft wide, far below what is considered the minimum for such pump tracks. This can cause problems for inexperienced users as concentration on the narrow line to follow will overshadow the learning of skills needed in riding the course. 

Some construction techniques also seem questionable with a drop off the asphalt to lower surrounding ground creating a step to deal with, and there is also risk of pedal strike on some of the 'humps'. 

However, the surface is better and maybe some fairly easy 'tweaks' could answer these concerns. It is hoped so.  Certainly some young people have been seen happily using the track since the work was undertaken with lots of laughs and smiles. 🙂

Comparisons have also been made with a recent pump track in Newbury which is very much wider and has gained much critical acclaim. However the costs there were far higher. 
But the question remains – was the wider unsurfaced track better than this narrow smoother path.

Next stage?
It had been suggested that a launch event might have been held at Whitchurch similar to a SkateFest held some years back which was extremely popular.

However the negative publicity has currently deferred that idea and an official response, and action, is awaited from Basingstoke and Deane on the recent concerns. It is also good to have a local councillor now involved in this.

Despite some concerns young riders have been enjoying the course.

Let us hope the concerns raised are resolved soon so our youngsters (and some not so young!) can safely enjoy improved facilities that Whitchurch so badly needs. 

 
It should not take too much effort and we should welcome the fact that the need for improvements has at least been recognised. 

 

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:

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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.

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.

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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.