Letter of the week: 'Help us fight for better cycling facilities'

AS WE are facing an ongoing Covid-19 crisis and an even greater impending climate change emergency, the government has asked people to leave their cars at home and walk or cycle instead, whenever possible.

Partly in response to this, and partly to press for safer cycling conditions on the roads, a local action group has been set up called Cycle Alton to campaign for better cycling infrastructure in the town and the surrounding villages.

Since its launch a month ago, it has gathered more than 50 supporters among the many who live and cycle, or wish to cycle, in the town as well as representatives from all five cycling groups in Alton.

The group’s aim is to act as a single representative group for all bicycle users in Alton.

The main focus is on short cycling trips, such as those made by utility cyclists and commuters, to promote cycling as the natural choice for short journeys around the town, and between the villages and the town.

The group operates under the umbrella of Alton Climate Action & Network (ACAN) whose assistance in setting up the new group has been invaluable.

Its remit falls within the scope of ACAN’s aims and objectives, to promote a healthier, less-polluting and more environmentally-friendly way of living.

Support also comes from Damian Hinds, MP for East Hampshire, who says: “Some good things must come from this difficult time. One of those, I hope, will be more people cycling in future. I’m delighted to hear of the formation of Cycle Alton, bringing together the five cycling groups in the town.

“Alton lends itself very well to everyday journeys by bike. And the wider East Hampshire countryside offers immense opportunity for leisure and exercise cycling both for locals and visitors.�

Cycle Alton has already liaised with all three tiers of local government and Cycle Hampshire, an umbrella body of cycle campaign groups in other Hampshire towns.

Meetings have been held via Zoom, and discussions are moving forward on a range of local issues affecting local bicycle users, such as more bike stands, more space for cycling in the time of social distancing, and the promotion of cycle routes in Alton for tourism.

The group is encouraging all Alton residents to view Hampshire County Council’s interactive Hants Covid Travel Map at https://hantscovidtravelmap.commonplace.is/ and to comment where there are currently issues for cyclists and pedestrians.

This map was recently launched by HCC to ‘help identify locations in your neighbourhood that may need temporary measures to ensure people can get about safely during the Covid-19 crisis’.

This consultation is due to end very soon so it’s important to submit your comments as soon as possible.

If you would like to see better conditions for local cycle riders, Cycle Alton is inviting you to register as a supporter by emailing , in return for which you will receive news and updates via newsletters.. There is also a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Cycle-Alton-108176250895096/

Do join us to have your say and help us make the best decisions for everyone who wishes to cycle in Alton.�

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