Month: January 2019

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Hayling Islander column February 2019

This is our Hayling Islander column for February (excluding any editing by the Islander, images may differ). 

Cycle Hayling launches our new website and ‘Smooth the Path’ campaign.

Smooth the Path

Does Hayling deserve smooth, all-weather paths that can be used safely by everyone? Not just by cyclists, but by parents walking with buggies, kids with scooters and balance bikes, wheelchairs, disabled buggies, and even people who struggle with balance? Like the ones on the mainland in Havant?

Because Hampshire County Council says we don’t.

And that’s why Cycle Hayling is launching our new 2019 website with our ‘Smooth the Path’ campaign.

Continue reading “Hayling Islander column February 2019”

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Havant’s new Cycling and Walking Plan!

Havant Borough Council has announced that it will be starting work on a formal Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan shortly.

[UPDATE JUNE 2021: We’re still waiting!!!]

This is REALLY important because :

  • A formal plan unlocks much more future government funding
  • Implementing it becomes a formal policy of the whole council, not just the cycling team
  • It forces developers to show how their housing plans fit into OUR bigger plan
  • It forces all of us to plan for the best long term solution, rather than just for quick wins

Continue reading “Havant’s new Cycling and Walking Plan!”

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I can’t do hills

Well, Hayling Island is the right place to be. There are some that claim there is a ‘hill’ in St Peter’s Road but it’s an undulation at most.

Once you get off the island, however, it’s a different story. We have some fantastic cycling in the South Downs Country Park but hills are virtually unavoidable if you want to enjoy the scenery, or commute any distance.

Let’s be clear about one thing: there’s no shame at all in getting off your bike and pushing it up a hill. None at all. Everyone’s had to do it. If you’re not used to hills, the chances are you’ll be pushing at some point. Don’t let it spoil your ride.

I’ve written an article that explores different aspects of cycling hills. You can read it here.