Cycle paths in Alton

You may have noticed recent improvements to some shared-use paths in Alton!

The photo shows the A339 Basingstoke Road, after a local volunteer single-handedly restored it to its original width.  This route is part of Primary Route 210 as identified in the recent Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) but is not part of HCC’s maintenance programme and HCC cannot find evidence of it being designated shared-use

Alton Town Cllr Emily Young informs us that resources won’t be allocated for maintenance unless a problem has been reported on the HCC website https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-a-problem (you have to create a Customer Account’ first).  It’s therefore important that in future we report any issues we find.  Meanwhile, work has been taking place in the Flood Meadows to upgrade some of the paths by rebuilding, widening and tarmacking.

Alton Town Council say that these improvements and repairs are funded from a budget set aside for their maintenance.  The paths were causing safety concerns, due to root damage causing narrowing and uneven surfaces.  

Cycling is permitted along the paths but they're too narrow to safely cycle past pedestrians.  

It is suggested that a project for minimum 3m width shared cycle, walking and wheeling paths through Flood Meadows could be set in motion by a proposal to ATC from Cycle Alton.  If accepted it would be added to next year's council budget for starting funds, then grant applications and any necessary planning permission would be done by ATC.  

If anyone is interested in joining our Cycle Alton Core Group to help to get this project underway, you would be most welcome!  Contact us at cyclealton@gmail.com.