Cycle groups help get bike racks at Vistas
CYCLISTS now have a secure place to store their bikes when they stop off at Vistas cafe, thanks to the efforts of several bicycle groups in the island.
With limited space before to chain bikes up, a joint effort with the Guernsey Velo Club, Guernsey Bike Group, the Guernsey Rouleurs Cycle Club and the States’ active travel unit has given cyclists with specialised bikes even more of a reason to stop off at Vazon as they whizz along the coast.
Velo Club president Mark Smith said Vistas has always been one of the main meeting points for groups of cyclists to stop for a cup of coffee and a bit of cake.
‘The racks were designed with high-end bikes in mind so you can hang them like you would see in triathlons. It also means they minimise the chance of bikes getting scratched like they can on normal racks,’ he said.
The new racks will provide more space for bikes to be stored, instead of leaning them against the walls of the cafe and obstructing the disabled access path.
Neil Sarre from Guernsey Rouleurs, who was one of the driving forces behind getting the bike rail installed, said that if the rail is well received by cyclists he would be keen to see more installed at other cycling hot-spots around the island.
‘We are absolutely delighted to have the rail, as well as other bike hoops for those with heavier bikes,’ he said.
‘This is certainly a better option than what there was before.
‘Sometimes there could be up to 50 bikes stacked on top of each other at the weekend and it is always advisable to lock your bike up safely while you stop off for a tea or coffee.’
Mr Sarre had been in contact with the active travel communications officer at the States since last July in order to help push this forward.
Chairman of the Guernsey Bike Group Sam Field agreed, saying it was always great to see bike racks installed, especially at this popular spot, and it will only serve to make the location more popular with the cycling community.
‘It is a great example of local cycle groups working with establishments and Traffic and Highway Services to meet a need for local bike riders at a location frequented by riders.’
However, he said there was a feeling that installing bike racks was frequently used by T&HS as a tick box exercise to demonstrate cycle infrastructure was being developed. ‘Bike racks do not address the real need, which is for more safe, dedicated cycle pathways to enable people to choose to use a bicycle as a means of transport instead of a vehicle for trips that do not need to be done by car.’
GBG is not aware of anyone saying they do not ride to work, school, the beach, a park or the shops because there is nowhere to park their bike.
‘Feeling vulnerable and at risk on the roads because there is not sufficient safe, dedicated, cycle infrastructure is the most frequent reason cited not to cycle,’ he said.
While GBG welcomes any cycle infrastructure, GBG would prefer to see the time, effort and resource going toward developing dedicated cycle paths.
