West Berkshire Cycle Forum
I attended my first West Berkshire Cycle Forum in October and I hope to raise the profile of the eastern part of WBC that makes up the western fringe of greater Reading.
A large part of the meeting was taken up with discussion of the Emergency Active Travel Fund scheme that has been installed in Newbury and along the A4 towards Thatcham.
I learnt that the east of the district is covered by the Local Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) produced in collaboration with RBC and Wokingham BC that can be viewed on the RBC site.
Newbury Station
GWR are planning to build a bike hub at Newbury Station. There will be an update at the January meeting about capacity and how cyclists can gain entry. The plans show a structure similar in style to the bike hub in Walthamstow.
Pangbourne
Pangbourne & Whitchurch Sustainability Group (PAWS) are working with the Parish Council and WBC to improve bike parking in the village.
The area in front of the library is mostly used for staff parking when the library is open and has one Sheffield rack.
PAWS has suggested plans for two or three more racks as well as improving the look of the forecourt and has contacted WBC; however, Library Services are concerned about the loss of vehicle access.
A second site has been suggested for bike parking next to the layby in Station Road. The land is owned by WBC and the idea is supported by the parish council. Racks there would be much more visible than the ones that are rather hidden away in the village hall car park.
PAWS has also spoken to the manager of the Co-op about bike parking next to their shop and this will be pursued with Co-op head office in the new year.
Rob Hill
WBC Campaigner for RCC
