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| Terry Scriven |
I’m really surprised that the New Forest has been allowed to lag far behind when it comes to making proper provision for cyclists.
I have long suspected that there are far more cycle owners in the area than there are regular cyclists. The reasons are clear and it is not entirely due to the weather!
When I look at the policies of both New Forest District Council and Hampshire County Council, I can find plenty of examples of good intentions. Unfortunately, there is very little evidence of anything that has happened on the ground. The recent completion of the cycle way between Ashurst and Lyndhurst is clearly very welcome, but much, much, more needs to be done.
Other than the green route extending through West Totton, the town is a very poor environment for cycling. On major roads through the town, cyclists have to share roads with other traffic, including very heavy lorries. Putting a few cycleway markings on Salisbury Road and calling it a cycle route must have proved a great disappointment to local people who were expecting a proper, safe way to cycle into and through the town. There are very few cycle racks available for use anywhere in the town.
The village of Marchwood has few cycle facilities. In particular, school children are hardly encouraged to cycle to school by the presence of large lorry traffic still trundling through the village. There is a strong need for cycle paths to be constructed both north and south of the village.
Hythe has a few cycle facilities but could do better. It would be great if more people could be encouraged to visit the town centre or Hythe ferry by bicycle, both for the health of the visitors and for the environment.
Further down the Waterside there are more problems with traffic. Often, heavy lorries are proving to be a strong factor in persuading people that the bike should stay in the shed and to hop in the car.
With areas in Lyndhurst and Totton being designated as “Air Quality Management Areas”, there has never been a better time for central and local government to get serious about cycling. |
And what an opportunity the Council has missed, in failing to promote cycling via the excellent opportunity that would have been provided by the "Tour of Britain" stage through the forest on September 10th, and via Totton in to the finish in Southampton. Hardly anyone knows it's happening - what publicity could have been generated for local businesses, clubs, etc. Maybe it's still not too late. I wonder if the 2012 Olympics will pass them by in the same way??
Brenda Smith, Hythe
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When cyclists pay road fund licence, and the wearing of helmets is made compulsory, and all cyclists pass a proficiency cycle test, AND are insured, together with an annual MOT for their bike - then they should have a cycle lanes created - until then .... stop moaning!
Marie, On the Waterside |
I am so pleased to read your statement, I cycle around Totton alot, and needless to say unless I am prepared to cycle in the gutter I am often abused. It is wrong to cycle on the pavements, but in many instances it is the only way. The Salisbury road marking have left everyone confused, does it mean cyclists have absolute right of way, does it mean vehicles keep out of it, but only in those patches, does it mean where those patches end a vehicle is free to cut you up?
Bill Catt, Totton |
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