Hants Covid Map: 7 days of action

There have been many encouraging statements from central government and Hampshire about taking the opportunity of Covid social distancing to introduce permanent infrastructure for both cycling and walking.

The reality of phase 1 improvements has so far not lived up to the words.

Hampshire County Council is bidding for 4x the funding for phase 2 and we need them to focus investment on the schemes that mean most to cyclists.

We can influence this by posting our views on the Hampshire Covid Travel Map. We are concerned that many of you might be daunted by the large number of potential schemes presented.

So, for seven days from today, each day we will highlight one scheme we would like you to go and ‘vote’ for. It’s as easy as ticking ‘agree’, though additional personal comments are also possible.

Check back to this page for updates each day, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Day 1: Narrow the City Bridge to a single traffic-light controlled lane for motor vehicles, freeing up more space for walking and cycling.

This enables easier access between the Weirs shared path and the cycle path onto Water Lane. If you agree, follow this link and click on ‘Agree’.

Day 2: Allow cycling in the pedestrianised bit of Middle Brook Street (between Iceland and Primark).

This will create a continuous cycle route between the northern suburbs and the city centre. To vote for this scheme on the Hampshire Covid Travel Map, follow this link and click ‘Agree’.

Day 3: Allow two-way cycling in Parchment Street. 

Combined with extending and widening the lane closure in North Walls, this will enable a quiet two-way cycle route in and out of the centre. To vote for this scheme on the Hampshire Covid Travel Map, follow this link and click ‘Agree’.

Day 4: Contraflow cycling on Jewry Street.

There’s desire to cycle south on Jewry St from City Road at least to Tower Street. Contraflow cycle lane would ease this situation and help people access leisure, dining and shopping facilities. To vote for this scheme on the Hampshire Covid Travel Map, follow this link and click ‘Agree’.

Day 5: Art School link from Durngate to Park Avenue.

The pavement here is far too narrow for even two people to walk down, making it one of the worst locations for social distancing. Cyclists sometimes cycle up the pavement because of the one way road. Routing pedestrians and cyclists through the empty land fenced off by the School of Art would solve this problem. With only a little work by the council, this could provide a through link from Durngate to River Park.
To vote for this scheme on the Hampshire Covid Travel Map, follow this link and click ‘Agree’.

Day 6: Contraflow cycling on the High St.

Provide a contraflow cycle lane going down the High Street from the Westgate. This could link up with the cycle & pedestrian only section of the High Street from Barclays down to St Thomas Street, as well as through cycling to the businesses and amenities on Jewry St. The frequent (if illegal) use of this route at present indicates a strong desire line for those trying to travel into town by bike. There is plenty of space available for such a lane by restricting the loading areas and taxi ranks to one side of the road only.
To vote for this scheme on the Hampshire Covid Travel Map, follow this link and click ‘Agree’.

Day 7: Worthy Road cycle lane.

This shared pavement/cycle track has become so narrow in places that most cyclists avoid it, and both pedestrians and cyclists who do use it are at risk. Travelling north, it then ceases when it’s most needed, under the main road bridge, and needs extending to Kings Worthy. To vote for this scheme on the Hampshire Covid Travel Map, follow this link and click ‘Agree’.