CYCLE ALTON is a newly-formed action group which has been set up to campaign for better cycling infrastructure in the town and the surrounding villages.  Its establishment has been met with much enthusiasm and in less than a month has gathered almost fifty supporters.  As well as numerous individuals who live and cycle in the town, it includes representatives from the five separate cycling groups in Alton, namely Cycling UK Alton, Alton Cycling Club, U3A Social Cycling, Hearty Riders and the White Hart Vueltas.

Their aim is to act as a single representative group for all bicycle users in Alton.  Janice Montgomerie of Cycle Alton says: “Our main focus is on short cycling trips such as those made by utility cyclists and commuters, to promote cycling as the natural choice for short journeys around the town, and between the villages and the town.  Do join us and have your say, to help us make the best decisions for everyone who rides a bike”

If you would like to see better conditions for local cycle riders, Cycle Alton is inviting you to register as a supporter by emailing cyclealton@gmail.com, in return for which you will receive news and updates via newsletters.  There is also a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Cycle-Alton-108176250895096/

The group operates under the umbrella of ACAN. Its remit falls within the scope of ACAN’s aims and objectives, to promote a healthier, less-polluting and more environmentally-friendly way of living.

Damian Hinds, MP for East Hampshire, commented “Some good things must come from this difficult time.  One of those, I hope, will be more people cycling in future.  I’m delighted to hear of the formation of Cycle Alton, bringing together the five cycling groups in the town.  Alton lends itself very well to everyday journeys by bike.  And the wider East Hampshire countryside offers immense opportunity for leisure and exercise cycling both for locals and visitors.”

Cycle Alton has already liaised with all three tiers of local government and Cycle Hampshire, an umbrella body of similar cycle campaign groups around Hampshire.  A number of meetings have been held via Zoom, and discussions are moving forward on a range of local issues affecting local bicycle users such as more bike stands, more space for cycling in the time of social distancing, and the promotion of cycle routes in Alton for tourism. 

The group is encouraging all Alton residents to view Hampshire County Council’s interactive Hants Covid Travel Map at https://hantscovidtravelmap.commonplace.is/ and to comment where there are currently issues for cyclists and pedestrians.  This map was recently launched by HCC to ‘help identify locations in your neighbourhood that may need temporary measures to ensure people can get about safely during the COVID-19 crisis’.   Janice says “This consultation is due to end very soon so it’s important to submit your comments as soon as possible.”