Tag: cycle parking

Cycling Provision at New Developments

Posted on by Web Editor

New developments usually present an opportunity to provide better cycling facilities within the site or contribute funding towards improvements for cycling provision in their vicinity. Since the introduction of LTN 1/20 there is now government issued guidance for minimum standards to be adhered to in new cycling infrastructure. Therefore, developers have no excuse not to comply.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case as they are not always held to account.

For example, in the new housing development next to the council offices, billed as a ‘gateway to the town centre’, there is no cycling access through the site. Cyclists are directed to dismount and walk their bicycle to/from the train station, a major transport hub and trip generator for the area, or go the long way round via Cheap Street. The planning permission supposedly secured a walking and cycling path through the development, but this has not come to be realised.

Another example of a recent development falling short is the poor cycle parking provision at the former Sterling Cables site, on Kings Road. Anyone visiting the site by bicycle is obliged to use the appalling ‘wheel-grabber’ style cycle racks, which offer no security for locking a bicycle other than through the front wheel.

LTN1/20 explains why these are not fit for purpose:

“Concrete ‘slots’ or metal hoops that support only the front wheel and do not enable the frame to be secured should not be used for public cycle parking. Many cycles are fitted with quick release wheels, and this type of support increases the risk of theft.” (LTN1/20 11.4.2 pg.134)

Not only this, but the wheel-grabber racks are mounted high up on the walls so that users have to up-end their bike to secure the front wheel, which is difficult for some bicycle users who have heavier bikes, baskets, wider tyres or mudguards.

Spokes will be writing to West Berkshire Council’s Planning Department to push for these issues to be addressed.

Cycle Hub Opens at Newbury Station

Posted on by Secretary

A new cycle hub has recently opened on the south side of Newbury Station with 180 spaces provided in two-tier racks and a further 50 spaces provided via Sheffield stands outside. The cycle hub is fitted with multiple CCTV cameras and motion-sensor LED lighting. It also comes equipped with a pump and bike repair stand with tools attached.

A second cycle hub is proposed on the north side of the station. Opening later this year, it will provide an additional 176 spaces. Together, they will increase cycle parking for passengers by over 300 spaces.

The £1.2 million facilities are funded with support from the Department for Transport and the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

The hubs are welcome additions at the station. Previously, cycle parking on the south side was confined to a handful of stands, open to the elements in the corner of the car park. These were always full, requiring many cyclists to chain their bikes to the railings. Conditions on the north side were better, with Sheffield stands under cover on the platform alongside a handful of lockers.

The new cycle hubs provide secure and attractive parking facilities for cyclists, and combined with the filtered permeability scheme on the one-way section of Station Road, they should hopefully encourage more people to cycle and from the station as Covid restrictions are relaxed and things return to normal.

Mind the Gaps

Posted on by Secretary

A4 Bath Road, Newbury

The Council has recently set up a working group to look at where and how facilities for cyclists can be improved, and we are delighted to report that Spokes has a seat at the table.  This is a fantastic opportunity for us to influence how and where the Council spends their future highways budgets and to make sure that cycling is properly represented in their programmes.

We need your help to identify the gaps in provision for cycling and what new or improved facilities you would like to see, such as:

  • cycle parking
  • cycle routes
  • junction treatments
  • priority over side roads
  • parking restrictions
  • traffic management schemes
  • speed limits
  • surfacing improvements
  • signing and lining enhancements
  • lighting upgrades

We would like to hear from people living and cycling in all parts of West Berkshire from Hungerford to Calcot, Streatley to Brimpton Common, and everywhere in between. The focus will mostly be on encouraging cycling for everyday transport (e.g. journeys to work, school or the shops). However, we are also keen to hear about your suggestions for new or improved facilities for leisure and sports cycling.

You can share your ideas by emailing highways@westberkshirespokes.org or by contacting us via the website.