Velo South closed roads sportive - good idea?!?

[Lorrimer12]

It’s a mess. WSCC have stated in meetings that pedestrian and cycle access is permitted throughout the road closures. I think we are going to see hundreds of walkers using the roads as well as other cyclists; not to mention the protests that are planned. A mess but mor than that, dangerous. How di I let Velo South cyclists know.

[Cyril Haearn]

Perhaps the Lords Day Observance Society has organised it to Keep Sunday Special
If so: Plus One!

[ambodach]

Not a sportif but the European Championships in Glasgow. In today’s National newspaper ( you will not get it in England ) there is a report that three villages and part of another north of Glasgow had all access closed off for over 12 hours for the cycle race. A taxi driver coming off shift in early morning was apparently told to park 4 miles away and walk home. There was apparently no consultation. Lots of unhappy people who may not all blame cycling but lots will. Don’t know who organises these things but certainly a lot of arrogance.

[flat tyre]

Oh dear, our local rag (Petersfield Post) has now jumped on the "stop Velo South" bandwagon with links to the website etc. Petersfield Post is an anti cycling rag so nothing new here. Personally I was fairly ambivalent about the event itself but I can see it being used as a rallying call for the anti cyclist brigade so will probably end up doing more harm than good, though I suppose those who've stumped up the £85 may enjoy themselves.

[Lorrimer12]

Some have paid significantly more than that. The event company have taken close to 2 million for the day with T&Cs that state that they reserve the right to change the date and place; no refunds. Stop Velo South say yes to cycling, no to road closures of 8 to 9 hours. Our ‘local rag’ is allowing local people to know about the event and what they can and cannot do which is more then the events company has done. This event is going to be dangerous in communities that struggle, on an ordinary day, to get an ambulance. Promises have been made so that profit can be made and nothing else. The day will be what it becomes but it won’t be what has been promised and CSM don’t care.

[squeaker]

It’s a mess. WSCC have stated in meetings that pedestrian and cycle access is permitted throughout the road closures.

That's not what's been requested; just pedestrian access (which presumably includes pedestrians pushing cycles...), despite what the council leader wrote earlier
I agree it's a mess, though and, if a recent South Today piece is to be believed, there's a risk that our learned friends might be drafted in - AKA an expensive mess...

[ArgusCompetitor]

I think the issue with Velo South is that the organisers somehow managed to persuade WSCC to support the event without them actually considering or consulting the people affected by it. That may well mean that the correct process associated with obtaining the necessary TTRO’s (the closed road bit) was not followed, so the antis have a case that they think they can win on a technicality - for that you can blame WSCC.

My bet is that the race will go ahead with closed roads for the elite at the front of the race, with the rest of us following on open roads. A bit of a con given the entry cost paid to CSM Active. With better planning, it might work in future, but not on a 100 mile closed road circuit.

[Lorrimer12]

Not for CSM. They have sold cyclists a lie, they are calling it an intent. Now, it turns out, that any resident who cannot access their property will be allowed to with an escort. The closed road will be busier than it would have been if left open. God help us all.

[foxyrider]

Not for CSM. They have sold cyclists a lie, they are calling it an intent. Now, it turns out, that any resident who cannot access their property will be allowed to with an escort. The closed road will be busier than it would have been if left open. God help us all.

It will be amazing how many journeys 'need' to be made by people who never go anywhere the rest of the year.
Call me a cynic but this whole thread has revolved around [inappropriate word removed] stirring by a few people most likely not affected by the closures. You lot really think there would be no access for emergency services? When was the last time you saw farmers doing anything on a Sunday and let's face it, it's hardly the farming centre of the country. No it might inconvenience a few Chelsea Tractor drivers for a time - so what?

[Lorrimer12]

Limited parking, refused B&B, one lane closures, more crossing points, protests, escorted access for residents, escorted access for careers and deliveries, other cyclists riding clockwise, this event is going to take two days to complete. Thanks CSM.

[Cunobelin]

My problem is that these are private companies making a massive profit..... they are not really cycling events, but a business venture

[Cunobelin]

I wonder what the response would be if a large company did the same thing for motorcycles or cars?

[foxyrider]

My problem is that these are private companies making a massive profit..... they are not really cycling events, but a business venture

Your point being?

Pretty much any event these days is a commercial venture on some level. Music Festivals, town carnivals, 'fun' runs and yes, even cycling events.

I've ridden closed road events that have 'inconvenienced' a lot more people than this thing is and i'm sure there are some grumbles in those communities but the vast majority seem to want to get involved either by spectating or actually helping with the event.

Pretty sure that given the location you'd get a similar response to almost any big event in the area regardless of what it was for.

[Cunobelin]

My problem is that these are private companies making a massive profit..... they are not really cycling events, but a business venture

Your point being?

Pretty much any event these days is a commercial venture on some level. Music Festivals, town carnivals, 'fun' runs and yes, even cycling events.

I've ridden closed road events that have 'inconvenienced' a lot more people than this thing is and i'm sure there are some grumbles in those communities but the vast majority seem to want to get involved either by spectating or actually helping with the event.

Pretty sure that given the location you'd get a similar response to almost any big event in the area regardless of what it was for.

I can think of hundreds of events that I do not need to pay excessively to enter, have not incurred the wrath of the local population and actually have their support

But hey..... how can you fleece people with rides like tat?


Portraying it as an us and them with cyclists and MIMBYs.... when it is in fact big multi million pound business closing the area for profit against NIMBYs

Perhaps some of the profits could be used to compensate locals?

What remains unanswered is would we all support a nine hour road clinic sure for a motorcycle event, Rambler’s event, or a car rally

[foxyrider]

My problem is that these are private companies making a massive profit..... they are not really cycling events, but a business venture

Your point being?

Pretty much any event these days is a commercial venture on some level. Music Festivals, town carnivals, 'fun' runs and yes, even cycling events.

I've ridden closed road events that have 'inconvenienced' a lot more people than this thing is and i'm sure there are some grumbles in those communities but the vast majority seem to want to get involved either by spectating or actually helping with the event.

Pretty sure that given the location you'd get a similar response to almost any big event in the area regardless of what it was for.

I can think of hundreds of events that I do not need to pay excessively to enter, have not incurred the wrath of the local population and actually have their support

But hey..... how can you fleece people with rides like tat?


Portraying it as an us and them with cyclists and MIMBYs.... when it is in fact big multi million pound business closing the area for profit against NIMBYs

Perhaps some of the profits could be used to compensate locals?

What remains unanswered is would we all support a nine hour road clinic sure for a motorcycle event, Rambler’s event, or a car rally

I'm sure it would have support from whichever group it was for - this whole thread would just be on a different fora!