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| Cycles against walls and windows. (click to enlarge) |
Let's thank those who provided it.
An excellent local project was initiated in November 2018 by a resident who had contacted the Town Council about cycle parking in the town. In an email they had requested installation of further cycle racks having noticed the vast increase in cyclists using the town and the business they brought. In February 2020 they were installed.
This was close to my own heart as cycling can bring increased trade and vitality to a town as well as encourage more to forsake their cars for short journeys, a benefit that has wide benefits for all ranging from improved health to increased safety.
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| Whitchurch is a popular cycling destination. |
Cycling is massively popular in the area with the town being both a weekend and a midweek stop for both individuals and groups of cyclists. It is a prime location in the lovely Test Valley, being close to the National Cycle Network route 246 and it has featured as a control point in a number of events. It is also on the official Trafalgar Way a route used by cyclists following the London to Falmouth carriage of dispatches.
Many cyclists who often stop to use the excellent cafés and pubs, use the shops and visit the attractions such as the renowned Silk Mill. But popularity can bring its own problems and cycles are often propped up against windows and walls and sometimes block pavements and doorways. Cycles have fallen on the ground and with limited parking they have even been wheeled into shops, as security can be a concern to their owners.
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| Some of the new parking. |
From my own experience, and from this talking to people a prime requirement was that hiding cycle parking away does not work – it won’t be used – it needs to be visible for security reasons.
These provide that visibility, although I would have liked some colour, but that could follow.
Helping the town
This parking will help pedestrians by keeping footways clear of cycles against shops and doorways and, provide an amenity for visitors, residents and businesses, while also helping drivers as the more who cycle the more congestion is reduced.
It also supports climate change principles in encouraging sustainable transport, and complements aims within the local Neighbourhood Plan and other wider Borough and County cycling strategies. Nearly one in five in one Whitchurch survey said they would cycle more if there were more cycle parking and there are studies that have shown that cyclists are amongst the highest contributors to local shopping economies.
Making Whitchurch a better place
Whitchurch, like many small growing towns, suffers from far too much traffic, adding to dangers for all, increased pollution and frayed tempers. By providing those who cycle with the facilities they need Whitchurch can become a much safer and pleasant place to live, shop and work. Sometimes a small thing like a few cycle racks can help make a big difference.
THE TOWN COUNCIL NEEDS COMMENDING FOR SUPPORTING THIS INITIATIVE.
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AN UPDATE:
There are a small number who have made objections about the installation and location of this cycle parking.
Reasons have included – it stops people parking on the pavement, they are unsightly, they are not needed and they hinder deliveries.
If you support the provision of this amenity I therefore encourage all who see the WIDER BENEFITS to send their comments to Whitchurch Town Council.
The Council's email is here: WHITCHURCH TOWN COUNCIL
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This parking will help pedestrians by keeping footways clear of cycles against shops and doorways and, provide an amenity for visitors, residents and businesses, while also helping drivers as the more who cycle the more congestion is reduced.
It also supports climate change principles in encouraging sustainable transport, and complements aims within the local Neighbourhood Plan and other wider Borough and County cycling strategies. Nearly one in five in one Whitchurch survey said they would cycle more if there were more cycle parking and there are studies that have shown that cyclists are amongst the highest contributors to local shopping economies.
Making Whitchurch a better place
Whitchurch, like many small growing towns, suffers from far too much traffic, adding to dangers for all, increased pollution and frayed tempers. By providing those who cycle with the facilities they need Whitchurch can become a much safer and pleasant place to live, shop and work. Sometimes a small thing like a few cycle racks can help make a big difference.
THE TOWN COUNCIL NEEDS COMMENDING FOR SUPPORTING THIS INITIATIVE.
_______________
AN UPDATE:
There are a small number who have made objections about the installation and location of this cycle parking.
Reasons have included – it stops people parking on the pavement, they are unsightly, they are not needed and they hinder deliveries.
If you support the provision of this amenity I therefore encourage all who see the WIDER BENEFITS to send their comments to Whitchurch Town Council.
The Council's email is here: WHITCHURCH TOWN COUNCIL
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