A CONSORTIUM of community groups in Twyford are clubbing together to pressure the county council to lower the speed limit along the road into Winchester.
Residents part of Twyford and Colden Common CycleBus, Twyford Community Speedwatch, 20 is Plenty and Action on Carbon in Twyford (ACT) made their mark with “wheelie Wednesday” to highlight the dangers of the B3335.
On Wednesday, March 1 the cycle bus, which usually helps kids safely cycle to Winchester schools, trialled its first commuter shuttle service helping residents get from Colden Common to the cycle path into Winchester at Hockley Viaduct and back again.
Meanwhile, others crossed the road by The Phoenix, the post-office and Twyford School in hi-vis jackets holding “20 is plenty” banners to slow down traffic.
READ MORE: Twyford cycle bus launches commuter ride and pushes for lower speeds
Currently, there is a 30mph speed limit in place through the village but a 60mph limit towards Hockley Link which is too high for Hampshire County Council to install a cycle path.
Cycle bus member and renewable energy worker Alex Naylor-Teece said: “It’s laughable. The road is fine for a confident cyclist but if you’re anything less than that it’s a non-starter. No parent I’ve spoken to is comfortable allowing their child to cycle into school without supervision.
“There needs to be a bridleway or a segregated cycle lane that is safe. Local councillors are already fully on board but none of them seem to know what to do or how to make it happen.”
Cycle bus organiser Tony Higginson added: “This commuter shuttle is the only option there is to give anyone any chance of cycling at all until the council do something about the road.”
SEE ALSO: Motorist fined for speeding on country road
Councillor Sue Cook counted 18 HGVs travelling through the village within 20 minutes from 8am. She said: “They’ve got other routes they can take, they could be using the motorway. Other cars are having to stop to let them through because there is not enough room.”
Speedwatch volunteer Angela Forder-Stent said: “The traffic is travelling through the village too fast. At 20mph there would be 25 per cent less particulates. The level of particulates is so high at the moment that it is actually shortening lives and we want to make people aware of that.”
Peter Lippiett of ACT said: “10 years ago there was a climate summit where Steve Brine made great promises but nothing has happened. We feel we’ve done everything we can so now we’re taking direct action through a pedestrian pelican protest (PPE) to get the message across that we need less and slower traffic. We’re going to keep on doing wheelie Wednesdays as long as we can.”
Hannah Greenburg who leads Hampshire's 20 is Plenty campaign came to show here support as a Twyford resident. She said: "I'm really excited that they're supporting 20 is plenty in Twyford. Bringing awareness in any form is great.
"Places like Twyford are blighted with traffic and the fast-flowing traffic is really intimidating to villagers. It's a travesty to not be able to use the place you live safely and confidently."
For more information on 20 is Plenty in Hampshire contact Hannah on 20splentyforhampshire@gmail.com.
Anyone interested in having a cycle bus where they are should contact cyclebusnetwork@gmail.com.
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