Flatbadger

Hello,

I commute from Wantage to Harwell Campus by bicycle. I use either the A417 or Sustrans Route 544 (the route which Mike mentioned in his original post). My choice of route depends on the time of year and the weather. After a few days of rain the Sustrans Route gets very muddy. This takes it’s toll on the bike and clothing. I haven’t got the time to strip and clean my bike every weekend. Despite some repairs and upgrades Route 544 it isn’t suitable for all bikes, all year round. I grounded the pedal on the rutted section near the tank farm this week. I’ve come off three times on black ice in winter. Despite these niggles, it is a lovely route to work, almost traffic free, but could be better. Base on conversations with work colleagues who are considering cycling to work, the main factors which put them off using Route 544 are the mud, potholes, and the shortage of changing and storage for wet weather gear. My employer has plans to do something about the facilities at the end of the commute. What can we do to get the route improved? My point is that by improving the quality of routes and extending the Science Vale network, more people will take up cycling to work even if it is only for part of the year or part of the week.

The A417 is quicker and cleaner. I find the majority of drivers are considerate when overtaking. It’s worth bearing in mind that as creatures of habit, we tend to leave the home at the same time each day and so do people who drive. So we end up annoying the same drivers each day! On the odd day I do drive to work, I have never been delayed or inconvenienced by cyclists on the A417 (perhaps because I’m not cycling that day!). The biggest delays in the mornings are caused when a vehicle stops to turn right to Ardington or the Hendreds, at the Featherbed Lane turn and Rowstock Roundabout.

I don’t want cycling to become confined to specialist routes or cycle lanes. We can and should continue to share the road with the motorists. However, I think we have reached the point where the biggest barrier preventing more people form cycling to work in the vale is the infrastructure, on the roads and off it.

Oh, and my tip for dealing with an irate driver: Blow them a kiss!

Hello,

Similar repairs have been done on the private track between East and West Ginge. Potholes filled with loose gravel