Hertsmere and Hertfordshire Councils have opened a Hertsmere Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) Consultation which closes midnight on 10th May 2026. Without an LCWIP in place Local Authorities will not gain access to Government funding for Cycling and Walking Infrastructure projects. This is our opportunity to view and influence the Hertsmere plan
We urge you to participate via this link
There is supporting documents here
We are delighted that after 13 years of excellent work by Kate and Fiona to set up and develop the community asset, which is Watford Cycle Hub, the future for the Hub is secure as Kate and Fiona move towards retirement
From 27th April, Watford Cycle Hub will join the Watford and Three Rivers Trust. Many thanks to Kate and Fiona for all their work and expertise
On Tuesday 17th March the new Toucan crossing on the Watford Green Loop opened!
The Toucan crossing from Dalton Way, from the retail park, to the Oxhey Activity park is now operational. The crossing has been moved about 10 metres and has resulted in much better sight lines and the new wide paths each side of the crossing has made bicycle manoeuvring very much easier, and safer
Installation of the much-needed Thomas Sawyer Way Toucan crossing between Oxhey Activity Park and Dalton Way is progressing well. The photograph does not do justice to this important safety improvement for pedestrians and cyclists alike. Go and take a look yourself
The shared use path between the Dalton Way Railway Viaduct and Thomas Sawyer Way has been widened and resurfaced. The short shared use path alongside the North side of Thomas Sawyer Way to the new crossing point is complete. Safety barriers have been installed. The original crossing island is now just a traffic island
Spokes campaigned for the Watford Green Loop and are now monitoring and encouraging the safety improvements needed, including improved access between Pump Lane and the new Toucan crossing and a cycling contraflow protected Lane in St John’s Road. Both these improvements are well advanced in design terms
There are three opportunities in March when everyone has an opportunity to influence local Cycling Infrastructure plans, full details in the Rides and Events section of this website. Please try and join us on:
6 March, drop in 10:00 until 13:00.at Watford Cycle Hub, Spokes gathering your ideas to present to local councils
18 March 19:30, 3 Rivers Council Environmental Forum at Leavesden Country Park
19 March 18:00, Watford Council Cycle Forum, Watford Town Hall Annexe
Works start Monday, 23 February 2026
Good news, work starts on the installation of a new toucan crossing, to replace the existing uncontrolled Thomas Sawyer Way crossing at the Dalton Way junction
Work is due to be completed by the end of April. Thomas Sawyer Way will be closed to traffic between Dalton Way and Wiggenhall Road 24/7 but pedestrian access across the junction of Thomas Sawyer Way and Dalton Way will remain throughout the works with temporary pedestrian routes
The probable need for cyclists to dismount during this period is a small price to pay for a much needed safety improvement
The next two Forums will be held at Watford Town Hall Annexe, 18:00 on Thursdays’ 19 March and 11 June. As the June date coincides with Great Big Green Week, Watford Borough Council may do something different to normal for that Forum
Details and booking links will be emailed to all Spokes’ Members when available
Spokes is organising 4 holidays this year. 3 of the holidays are full although there is a waiting list in case of cancellation. There are spaces available on the Italian holiday based in Rimini. Members can book, or join the waiting list, via Rides and events
St Ives, Cambridgeshire 20th – 23rd May. Rides from St Ives with Katherine. Fully booked with Members on the waiting list
Rimini 4th – 11th June. Enjoy Cycling with local guides following picturesque seaside and countryside routes
Netherlands 3rd – 10th July. Cycle tour with Peter. Fully Booked but waiting list empty
Somerset Cycle Way 27th – 28th July. Fully Booked with one Member (woman) on waiting list
Founders Kate and Fiona will be stepping into retirement/semi-retirement, and the Cycle Hub will begin its transition to new leadership for April 2026
Watford Cycle Hub has been helping our community get cycling and to stay cycling for 13 years, from 3,000+ children learning to ride, to 200+ adults gaining confidence, 1,050 free social rides, 10,000+ bike repairs, 1,800+ bikes upcycled, and 536 Trishaw rides for older residents. For Kate and Fiona the Cycle Hub represents 13 years of heart, graft, resilience and purpose
Kate and Fiona stress that the Cycle Hub is not closing and that everything will continue as normal, repairs, servicing, training, social rides, café and more
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