The recently implemented pedestrian crossing across Romsey Road near the old barracks, that now links Clifton Terrace and St James' Terrace is welcome, and long overdue on a sometimes dangerous stretch for pedestrians attempting to cross the road.
But how has Hampshire County Council (HCC) got this so wrong, in terms of bicycle access into town?
Road level obstacles in Clifton Terrace now mean bicycles have to stop dead in the road in Clifton Terrace (with cars fast approaching behind), and then lug their machines over these obstacles, and then a high curb. It would have been so easy to 'get this right' with proper consultation with cycle groups in Winchester, or someone on the council who is thinking about bicycles. Why has this not happened?
I've been told by HCC that a remedy will come (when?), but what a waste of time and money to have to revisit this and create more disruption. If bikes can turn left at this point, they can access the (not well known) cycle route through the Barracks into town, and start to create safe(r) routes into town.
Research just published in the British Medical Journal says that there is "direct evidence of the health benefits of active commuting", with those who cycle to work associated with a 47 per cent lower risk of death and 24 per cent lower risk of hospital admission for cardiovascular disease. But, cycle commuters are twice as likely as 'inactive' commuters to be admitted to hospital after a road traffic collision". It says "this reinforces the need for safer cycling infrastructure to enable more people to access active travel journeys and the important health benefits."
Hampshire has one of the worst bicycle accident rates in the UK. So, could our new MP, Danny Chambers, help persuade HCC - and our police commissioner, Donna Jones - to aim to be the best city in the UK for cycling, instead; to get on their bikes and to factor-in, and properly integrate, cycle way design into future Hampshire road planning?
Nick Wray,
Fordington Avenue,
Fulflood,
Winchester
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