Travellers’ tales: Pedal pushing

Last summer 400 cyclists gathered in the village of Haddenham in Buckinghamshire. Their dream was to be able to cycle to Thame, three miles away. Many have friends there or want to visit the town for its shops and other facilities. There are similar dreamers in Thame who yearn to cycle to Haddenham. Apart from anything else, the two places share a railway station: Haddenham-Thame Parkway. At the moment, all any resident can do is dream on. 

The A418 between the two places is just too dangerous. Occasionally a cyclist will try it. Vehicles queue up behind such a reckless loner. In spite of the Highway Code recommendation to leave 1.5 metres between car and bike, and the lack of such space for this on the A418 when it’s busy, some drivers insist on overtaking and passing much too close. Others sit on their horns.

This was why 400 cyclists went for a gentle ride round Haddenham village: to show the demand for a segregated cycling and walking route. It was organised by Haddenham Safe Walking and Cycling group. The spirit was great. Cyclists aged from three to 90 took part. Families did it. Councillors and parliamentary candidates turned out. 

The mood was almost celebratory. What a great feeling of cycling togetherness! But really there isn’t anything to celebrate – yet. Locals have been campaigning for more than 25 years for a greenway between the two places. Cyclists are and need to be patient people!