About Safe Cycle Routes for Wheathampstead
The Wheathampstead safe cycle routes group is a sub-committee of the Wheathampstead Community Group. The group was founded following the government announcement of a £2billion package for the development of alternative transport routes.
Our mission is to promote and lobby for the creation of new routes for cyclists for the benefit of all road users, with a focus on commuters and school children.
A significant proportion of Wheathampstead residents commute into London from the nearby settlements of Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield, St Albans and Harpenden. Secondary Schools serving the village are in Harpenden, St Albans and Batford.
Aims of the group
We are a group of local people who are working to improve cycling routes in and around Wheathampstead. We see this as a real opportunity to change our village – and our lifestyles – for the better.
On this map you can see the solid lines indicate where we need a new route off the road to be built and dashed line indicates existing.
Keep yourselves healthy
As the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government is encouraging more of us to get around by bike. Cycling benefits our health, the local environment and saves us money.
Within easy reach...
Our beautiful village is within easy reach of St Albans, Harpenden, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield and Luton. But cycling in the area can be challenging and potentially dangerous.
There are plenty of scenic leisure routes for cyclists such as the Ayot Greenway and, at the weekend, the village is a hub for local cyclists. But, when it comes to commuting to surrounding towns, the B-roads that connect us are some of the busiest in the country.
Main focus
We are particularly focused on cycling for commuting to work and schools, where we see the greatest opportunity for improvement and – vitally – the most chance of winning government funding.
Our initial focus is on the routes we believe are the most achievable: Wheathampstead to St Albans and Welwyn Garden City/Hatfield. Paths would be suitable all year in all weathers for most bikes including hybrid, electric and commuter bikes.
We are also investigating the missing link in the old railway line between the village and Leasey Bridge Lane. Separately, we are supporting efforts for secure cycle storage at local train stations.
Non-cyclists
Separating cyclists and motor vehicles will not only improve safety and confidence of cyclists, but will also enable cars to travel without the concern of overtaking or being held up behind slower moving bikes.
So even non-cyclists will agree that getting bicycles off the roads and onto dedicated cycle routes will improve traffic flows, reduce delays, remove stress and save life & limb of those pesky cyclists 😉
Local businesses
If your local business employs staff from outside Wheathampstead, then did you know that the government’s “Cycle to Work” scheme offers employees tax relief on a new bicycle (including eBikes), saving them between 25-39% plus there are NIC benefits for the employer.
Supporters
Our efforts are supported by the Wheathampstead Community Group, Parish & District councils. We also have the full support of local County Councillor Annie Brewster and of our MP Bim Amafoli, who have both participated in our meetings. As you can see from reading this article on the Wheathampstead Businesses website, we also have the support of WEB.
We would love the support of all village residents, whether you are cyclists, drivers, pedestrians or all three! Keep an eye out for more information on what we have been doing and if you’d like to help, please visit our website.
