Whitchurch Social Cyclists – a Message

A Message:

My name is Grant and I live in Hurstbourne Priors.

Are you a local road cyclist and want to join a riding group that isn’t too serious?

Whitchurch Social Cyclists

Me and some other locals run a very informal cycling group out of Whitchurch called the Whitchurch Social Cyclists (or WSC).
There are no rules, no club fees and no discrimination. Anyone can join with just one proviso (I’ll come to that).

It’s just a social group with the aim of getting people on their bike so they get some fresh air, exercise and have a chat as they go.
We plan routes that are away from main roads as much as is practical and usually try to offer a destination worth going to; like a nice café or a country pub.

Group Rides
The group rides are advertised using a WhatsApp group and we try to ride on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings. You’ll need to be self-sufficient i.e., know how to repair your own punctures and have suitable cycling gear (helmet, gloves, spare inner tube, water bottle etc).

Thursday rides are about 20 miles and we tend to set off at 7pm. Sunday rides are about 45 miles and tend to set off at 8:30am. 

Further details will be provided once you make contact.

The proviso 

Whilst we try and accommodate everyone, it can be frustrating if the ability range is too great. We have tried to accommodate really slow riders before, who do not have a road bike, and it just doesn’t work. 

As a result, we kindly ask that you can maintain the following minimum speeds on flat smooth ground: Thursday rides 10mph and the Sunday rides 14 mph. These are nice steady paces (no ‘Tour de France’ contenders here!) and they should be possible for anyone that rides a road bike occasionally and maintains a basic level of fitness.

Join us?
If you’d like to join us one Thursday evening, or Sunday morning, to give it a go, please contact me by text message, WhatsApp message or call me using 07818 057588.

 
You will be very welcome and it would be great to see you.

Cycle to Work Day 2023

 Thursday 3rd August is Cycle to Work Day 2023, the UK's biggest celebration of cycle commuting.If you haven't got your bike out yet, then this could be the ideal time.

But it doesn't have to be for a ride to work. It could be any kind of cycle ride, and on any type of cycle whether it’s cycling to the shops, to pick the kids up from school or meeting up with friends for a group ride.

Hampshire is a lovely place for cycling – from a potter to the shops, a ride out for a coffee, or a leisurely cycle in the gorgeous countryside.

As well as being great fun, low cost, efficient, cycling helps you keep fit and can make our environment a much more pleasant place.

 
All that is needed is to get that bike out and turn those pedals.

See:
https://www.lovetoride.net/cyclescheme

Incident in Bell Street, Whitchurch – a Message

Take care on our roads – there was an incident in Bell Street on Monday 19th June, around 6.00pm

From Cycle Whitchurch to all who use our roads:

Early evening on Monday 19th June there was a serious incident in Whitchurch at the junction of Evingar Road with Bell Street, where a person who was cycling had to be taken by ambulance to hospital with injuries. Evingar Road was closed for some time by the police.

This is the fourth known incident at this cross roads, three involving cycling.

And then this happened...

A passing person loudly announced: 

"Its only a cyclist – f*** 'em; they cause me enough bl**** trouble when I'm driving".

To this 'person' there is a message:

"A cyclist, like anyone else, may be someone's father, a mother, a son, a brother, a sister, a husband, a wife, a friend, a colleague..."

"Let us hope no one you care for suffers injuries or worse in any incident.  Such selfish, dangerous and uncaring attitudes have no place in any part of today's society."

We wish the best in recovery to all those who may have been involved in any way in this most recent incident.

Bike Week 2023 in Whitchurch

Today, Monday June 5th, sees the start of the annual Bike Week, marking a century of Bike Week celebrating everyday cycling.
This year it has a theme of Active Travel for everyone.

Active Travel
Cycle Whitchurch is asking residents and local organisations to embrace Active Travel as a means to help reduce harmful emissions and help us meet net zero targets.
It is also calling on our Councils and Government to act in a more meaningful way to support Active Travel by encouraging initiatives that address the Climate Emergency – safer roads, slower speeds, designated routes, and joined up thinking!

Take a spin
Whitchurch is a popular destination for visiting cyclists, being a lovely rural town on the River Test, and also makes a wonderful centre for both utility and leisure cycling. 
Bike Week is the perfect opportunity to take a few spins on two wheels, perhaps to work, to the shops or with the children to school – and not only will it be enjoyable it will help the environment, reduce travel costs and be healthy too.
Maybe our local Councillors could cycle to their meetings?

Visit our Whitchurch page here:
WHITCHURCH

National Bike Week:
BIKE WEEK 2023

 

Larger Lorries for Whitchurch

Our roads are to become even more hazardous as longer 'super-lorries' are set to become more common.

As from 31st May longer lorries with trailers up to 61 feet (18.55m) will be permitted, an increase of 6ft 9in (2.05m). It is claimed they "increase efficiency".

Road safety groups fear that these will cost lives with greater dangers for pedestrians, cyclists and road infrastructure.

Whitchurch damage and danger to increase
Whitchurch already suffers from HGVs that mount pavements, knock over bollards, hit parked cars, break up surfaces and kerbs and have difficulty dealing with the tight corners. 

This will only get far worse. The longer lorries will have increased blind spots, greater tail swings and potentially heavier weights all adding to greater risks for other road users, especially in urban areas and country lanes. 

Leading Charity CycleUK has said: 

"Given that lorries are already seven times more likely than cars to be involved in cyclist or pedestrian fatality, a longer lorry rollout represents a serious step backwards for safety."

 

WHAT CAN WE ALL DO?

We can call on our MP and Councillors to take action
One only needs to look at the Whitchurch town centre to see the amount of damage heavy vehicles cause, with the concerns recognised within the Whitchurch Neighbourhood Plan as requiring action.

We call on all our MP, Councillors and representatives to respond on how this unwelcome growth in large vehicles is to be dealt with in Whitchurch and on our country roads. 

Heavy Lorries and excessive traffic is already a scourge on Whitchurch and has destroyed so much.

Do we want that to become worse?

Kit Malthouse MP
kit.malthouse.mp@parliament.uk

Tom Thacker (HCC County Councillor for Whitchurch)
tom.thacker@hants.gov.uk

Hampshire County Council
Main HCC website

Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council
Main BDBC website

Whitchurch Town Council (and for Neighbourhood Plan matters)
Contact details

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:

POTHOLES and DAMAGED PAVEMENTS CAN KILL – Call for Action

Potholes on roads and damaged pavements with trip hazards are becoming an increasingly major problem as Councils cut back on road maintenance.

Whether your main method of travel is as a pedestrian, cyclist, motor-cyclist or driver, this lack of maintenance and repair work affects us all. 
WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

They not only cause damage but can result in serious injury and even death, and while we all continue to pay increasing taxes, our Councils are seemingly becoming less responsive in dealing with the problems.

On a major school route.

In Whitchurch there is barely a road that is unaffected, or a pavement that does not have loose paving slabs or cracks. And when a journey is made further afield the situation is the same.

• For the pedestrian and especially anyone with mobility impairments the lack of maintenance can result in trips or falls often requiring medical attention. 
• For the cyclist potholes as well as causing severe damage can result in loss of control, falls, and serious injury or worse, and can place increased strain on the health service. 
• For drivers and motor-cyclists serious damage can occur to vehicles ranging from burst tyres and wheel misalignment to steering and suspension damage.
  Loss of control can result in life-threatening situations.

Potholes kill and maim

Department for Transport figures show that EACH WEEK one cyclist dies or suffers life-threatening injuries as a result of the condition of our roads. And the trend is increasing.

ACTION IS NEEDED – NOW

Stop passing the buck
The legal responsibilities rest with Hampshire County Council and pressure needs to be put on them and the Councillors who are elected to represent us, to make our travel safe.

However, both Basingstoke & Deane and Whitchurch Town Council also have duties to support their residents. 

As Hampshire are failing and putting our safety at risk they too should be taking action and increase pressure on HCC.

No longer should they say "Its not us, it's Hampshire".
Passing the buck is no longer an option.

Let's all work TOGETHER

Call on the Councils to ACT NOW and allocate adequate resources – before someone you know is injured or killed.

_________________________

REPORTING LINKS

Hampshire County Council
Main HCC website
For reporting highway/road/pavement/cycle path/verge problems
Reporting Problems

Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council
Main BDBC website

Test Valley Borough Council (for areas to west of Whitchurch)
Main TVBC website

Whitchurch Town Council
Contact details

A Film Powered by Bicycles

A full feature film powered by bicycles is planned for later this year in Andover.

 
As part of Andover Cycling Festival, a giant cinema screen will pop-up in Vigo Park on Saturday, 29th July to show a classic feature film.

 
Test Valley Borough Council say:

The film will be powered solely by energetic volunteers on static bikes, so come along with your sports gear and lots of energy if you fancy taking part.

Don't worry if you're not in the mood to pedal, as you can still bring a blanket and enjoy this the film in the open air.

 
They have also asked people to choose which film should be shown at the outdoor cinema, with the selected film soon to be announced.

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.

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.

Tranquil Nun's Walk to become a Rat run?

MILL SPRINGS WHITCHURCH – Effect on Countryside access

The tranquil single track Nun’s Walk country lane is one of the most popular routes for cyclists who as individuals, families and groups use it to access the lovely countryside and the valley of the River Test south west of Whitchurch.
It is at threat of being overrun with motor vehicles, increasing danger for all, and destroying the tranquility of a beautiful area of our countryside.

Nun’s Walk – a narrow, pleasant green lane

The narrow rural lane is a direct access to Sustrans National Cycle Route NCN246, was part of the Jubilee Cycle Trail introduced this year and is regularly used by both cycle events and cycling groups to visit the town bringing trade and custom.

It is also a popular walking link to local footpaths joining with the Test Way and towards Longparish and used by local farm vehicles.

The new cycle route to Nun’s Walk

Safe access under threat
The importance of this single track road was recognised by this year’s welcome construction of a new cycle path link by Hampshire County Council to make access safer for walking and cycling between Whitchurch and the River Test and surrounding area.

Improvements were also made to ease access through the dangerous A34 slip roads. was that superfluous? The safety implications at the Tufton junction are now very concerning as many more vehicles will be turning into Nun’s Walk towards Tufton/Hurstbourne Priors/Longparish. The potential for serious collisions has multiplied massively.

200+ houses
Yet that safety is now under serious threat of being compromised by a proposal to build a further 200+ houses and associated facilities at Mill Springs on the southern edge of Whitchurch, right where that new cycle route starts.

A Dangerous Rat Run
Approval of this application would encourage Nun’s Walk and Tufton to become a drivers’ rat run through to Andover and the B3400.

It would become the shortest route and reduce the distance by nearly a mile as Mill Springs homeowners will be seeking avoid the already heavily congested and restricted Whitchurch town centre.

There are no plans in the application deal with the traffic generation on this narrow rural lane.

• To the motorist using Nun’s Walk would be a no-brainer – shorter, cheaper on fuel, faster, with no school runs, HGVs, refuse collections, supermarket lorries or buses to contend with. And it misses the notorious Micheldever Road junction and the clogged roundabout.
  
  
• To those cycling, walking, riding horses or who live and work in the countryside, it will mean suffering increased danger, pollution, speeding drivers, noise and road damage.

Single track lane

Increased traffic
In addition, a new medical facility is also proposed on the land which will also encourage use of Nun’s Walk from the surrounding areas, further increasing pressure on this narrow green lane. Meanwhile villages such as Longparish are also likely to affected as drivers use it as a shortcut to access the A303 to avoid the Bullington interchange.

Local Council representations
Longparish and Hurstbourne views:
It is notable and pleasing that both Longparish and Hurstbourne Priors Parish Councils have lodged official objections both citing the effect the detrimental proposals would have on Nun’s Walk.
Whitchurch views:
Whitchurch Town Council‘s Development Committee took a decision not to object although it is not a preferred site in the local Neighbourhood Plan. This Plan which was adopted by a 93% in favour Referendum also supports ‘Access to the River Test’ which Nun’s Walk provides so this view is bewildering.

However there is still the opportunity to raise these issues with the planners as the ultimate decisions are made by Basingstoke and Deane.

Do we want Nun’s Walk and this access to the Test to be overrun by traffic?

PLEASE OBJECT
The application (ref: 22/03219/FUL) can be seen here and comments should be registered with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council:


https://planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=RM5MFRCR0AQ00&activeTab=summary

Next stage
The planning application now rests with Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council.
This proposal in its current form will adversely affect the safety, enjoyment and biodiversity of a large area of beautiful sensitive Hampshire countryside.
Let them know how you feel and let’s hope they make the right decision – and reject this application.

The River Test, off Nun’s Walk