After over 25 years in Watford, the last day Cycles UK St Alban’s road will trade is this Saturday 12th July 2025
12
Jul
All posts in Campaigning
14
Jan
Cycling trip in Riccione, a picturesque Italian seaside resort 6 miles south of Rimini which is easily reached by a flat bike ride or by electric train. The hotel is close to seafront with miles of promenade and a wide selection of shops, bars, and ice-cream parlours
Rimini old town has many sights including the Arch of Augustus from 27 BC, and Tiberius Bridge
This is the third cycling trip that is being organised by Spokes in 2025 but is the earliest one in the year to take place
06
Jan
The Watford Green Loop is now open and being used by walkers, cyclists and other wheelers
Spokes conceived the idea of a circular cycling route around Watford using roads and tracks in 2019. Watford Borough Council adopted, and improved the idea including widening a shared use paths in Cassiobury Park
Two separate sets of signage have been provided. The totem signs being used on the off road (Green) areas. On the roads the conventional blue signs indicate the route
Now the Green Loop is established we hope it will enable successful bids for improving the cycling infrastructure on the more difficult parts of the Green Loop
01
Dec
Booking for the four day, three night cycling holiday in the Black Country opens today
The trip gives an opportunity to explore the area using canals and old railway paths and well as enjoying the architecture and culture
This is one of three holidays we hope to arrange in 2025, look out for the others!
26
Oct
Watford Borough Council (WBC) have announced that Watford Green Loop will be officially opened by the Mayor on Monday 17th November
Spokes conceived the idea of a circular cycling route around Watford in 2019 using quiet roads and existing off-road tracks. WBC adopted, and improved, the idea including widening a shared use path in Cassiobury Park
The 6.5 mile route ranges from the bustling Watford Junction railway station to tranquil Cassiobury Park and connects key locations, serene open spaces and valued heritage sites, using the popular National Cycle Route 6, Ebury Way and a joined up network of cycle paths. Signage for the route is currently being installed and will be complete in the next few weeks
The launch will be celebrated with Spokes leading rides around the route. Watch out for further details and visit the WBC website to download a leaflet, see a map of the route and link to a Spokes designed gps route that you can download
On or before 21 August Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) contractors closed the shared use path between Oxhey Activity Park and the Retail Park with barriers each side of the Railway Viaduct. Signage from the Activity Park for Pedestrians led them on to Dalton Way to walk in the road with their back to the traffic. From the High Street the sign at the Railway Viaduct simply directed Pedestrians back the way they had come
This very dangerous situation remained for at least two weeks, after which barriers were erected to provide protection for pedestrians walking along Dalton Way. Spokes have informed Watford Borough Council (WBC) of our concern that this danger was created and remained a danger for so long. WBC have passed our concerns on to HCC
We have since received an update that the emergency works have been permitted by HCC and are likely to continue until late October
10
Sep
Innovative smart sensor technology is being tested on Solihull’s A34 Stratford Road in a bid to make busy crossings safer for cyclists and pedestrians
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), and Solihull Council have installed the ground-breaking technology at a toucan crossing near Blythe Valley. Sensors, developed by VivaCity, detect cyclists 20-30 meters away from the crossing compared to standard technology and enable the traffic signals to go green quicker, giving cyclists a smoother, uninterrupted journey on their bikes
The sensors use intelligent video analytics and advanced algorithms to accurately and anonymously classify users and avoid false detections, which could otherwise disrupt traffic flow. This not only improves safety but also encourages more people to consider cycling as a convenient and stress-free option for their daily journeys
This pilot marks the first use of such sensors for this purpose in the region, and it is expected to serve as a model for future projects aimed at reducing vehicle dependency and improving the quality of life for all road users in the West Midlands
01
Sep
Lovely, flat cycling in Bruges, Belgium, one of the most picturesque cities in Northern Europe
Netherlands has a reputation for well served for cyclists but Belgium is just as good
In 2025 we hope to have more than one cycling trip so keep your eyes open!
25
Feb
Potholes are more than a nuisance, they can be a serious danger to cyclists and others. In the UK, there’s an average of one road defect for every 110 metres of road!
Local councils have a duty to maintain the roads, but they can only fill a pothole if they know about it. If you want it repaired, you have to report it
Link to Report or find a hazard
29
JanSPOKES have been promoting the Green Ring for several years with the aim of providing a safe circular route around the centre of Watford, linking the various access routes into the town centre
Hertfordshire County Council – Highways Authority, will be responsible for any improvements to roads that form part of the Green Ring in Watford
The Watford Council website has a useful page giving details of the plans for improving the eastern loop of the Green Ring. It also shows a strategy for future transport in the area with an emphasis on walking & cycling
Link to Walking and Cycling Schemes
The video below was created by Watford Council and shows a ‘cycle-through’ the proposed eastern loop of the Green Ring