Having served on Spokes Committee for 29 years, founder Member Pam Mann has ably held most roles on the Committee, including Chairperson, but is probably known to most Members as our Treasurer for about 20 years until she stood down at this year’s AGM
A few Members went to Pam’s home on 3 November to thank her for her much appreciated service and present a token of our thanks with flowers and a John Lewis voucher
New Whippendell Wood bike trail now open! Watford Council are excited to launch Watford’s first-ever purpose-built mountain bike trail, right here in the heart of Whippendell Wood!
Created in partnership with Bike Park Chilterns CIC, this free-to-use trail offers riders of all abilities the chance to enjoy a safe, sustainable and progressive biking experience, just minutes from the town centre
Funded through the Watford Neighbourhood Grant (£23,000). Supported by West Herts Golf Club and Bike Park Chilterns CIC
Features natural gravel and clay berms, clear signage and wildlife-friendly design
This unique facility puts Watford on the mountain biking map, adding to our town’s fantastic green spaces like Cassiobury Park and Whippendell Wood
For more information see whippytrails.com
Hertfordshire County Council is progressing with plans to build a toucan crossing at the junction of Thomas Sawyer Way and Dalton Way. When complete the project will provide a safe and convenient crossing to improve the link between Oxhey Park and Dalton Way towards Watford Town Centre
This changes, planned for early 2026, will improve safety and convenience on the Watford Green Loop
You can support this project by emailing ATFConsultation@hertfordshire.gov.uk
See HCC Active Travel web page for more details
Pleased to see that the junction between Meriden Way and Gossamers in Garston has finally been resurfaced. The road was in need of repair before an extensive building programme started more than a year ago. Now that work has finished the junction has been completely resurfaced
With the road repairs carried out in the woods earlier this year this make the ride from Watford to Bricket Wood station and beyond a much more pleasant experience
Dropbar Bike Repair, a bike Mechanic is open for business at Unit 14 Riverside Works, Riverside Road, Watford WD19 4HY
They have been used and recommended by a few of our Members and Dropbar will be included in our Winter Newsletter as they are now offering 10% discount to Spokes Members
More information and booking link on their website
The Old Uxbridge Road is an ideal cycling route linking Maple Cross to Denham
Unfortunately where the route meets the county boundary for Hertfordshire & Buckinghamshire you have to cycle on the main road A412.
In Hertfordshire the route is good for cycling apart from the last 100 metres to the county border where you have to join the A412. Many years ago a path used to continue to Denham. But now on entering Buckinghamshire many changes have occurred including the HS2 works. It would be good if the existing Hertfordshire route could join a new path/track, parallel to the A412, connecting to the new shared paths that lead into Denham.
Let’s hope Buckinghamshire County Council had some mitigation funds enabling a continuous safe shared route for walkers & cyclists in the Cone Valley linking Rickmansworth & Maple Cross to Denham. Local county councils will need to work together to complete this cross boundary route
The next Watford Cycle Forum will be held is at Watford Cycle Hub at 6.00pm on Thursday 18th September.
This is an informal drop-in session packed with local clubs, bike maintenance tips, volunteering opportunities, and Watford’s future cycling plans! Including Spokes who will have a stand.
Meet partners like Beryl Bikes, Breeze Ride, and Watford Velo – plus learn how to build confidence or simply explore cycling in our community.
Hertfordshire County Council have asked Peter Jackson for an updated quote on the safety improvements completed last year to the Watford High Street/Water Lane junction
Sadly Peter was unable to agree their 100% positive suggestion due to remaining issues. 90% of drivers still fail to stop or look right at the stop lane when turning into High Street from Water Lane and the beneficial wands segregating the cycle lane in the High Street Water Lane to Ring Road section have been removed
Peter offered the following amended version:
“The realignment has greatly improved visibility, allowing people driving and cycling to see each other sooner, and we’ve noticed slower vehicle speeds and more considerate behaviour, such as cars stopping for pedestrians. However, 90% of drivers still do not stop or look right at the Stop Line and the beneficial wands segregating the High St Cycle Lane Water Lane to the ring road section, have been removed. Overall, it’s a good step forward given the space available.”
Did you know that there is a cycle path between Thomas Sawyer Way to the Ebury Way?
Most of this cycle route was established a long time ago and some of it is still signed but the signage is not consistent. And, crucially, where the path leaves the paved Colnebank Drive there is no sign.
Spokes have asked Watford Council to install a sign identifying the existing cycling route from the new flats on Colnebank Drive. This would make the Ebury Way more accessible and promote this useful link to Thomas Sawyer Way and Watford General Hospital.
The picture shows the sign at the Ebury Way end of the link but there is no sign when coming the other way!
After over 25 years in Watford, the last day Cycles UK St Alban’s road will trade is this Saturday 12th July 2025