Reading cyclists point out the good, bad and ugly on roads

Recently, cyclists met for the Reading Cycle Festival in Christchurch Meadows.

During the festival, a photo competition took place to determine the ‘good, bad and ugly’ parts of the town’s cycling infrastructure.

The winners of each of the three categories won a £50 gift voucher for AW Cycles, a renowned bike shop in Caversham.

The winner of the ‘good’ category was Hilary Smart, who took a photo of a safe cycle crossing over Gosbrook Road in Christchurch Meadows.

She said: ”I feel safe letting my five year old use this when we go to our local park.”

The 'Good Winner' of the Reading Cycle Campaign competition, of a crossing providing access to one of the parks in Reading. Credit: Hilary Smart

However, the photo for the ‘bad’ example was also taken in Caversham.

Andrew Butler won the category for a badly-warn bike road marking.

Mr Butler said: “Here’s a supposed cycle lane on Star Road, Lower Caversham. The marking is nearly completely worn off the road. The cycle lane is parked in here, and further down, it’s like that all the time. There is no ‘line’ to denote the edge on the cycle lane. Cars are frequently parked both sides of the road.”

The 'Bad Winner' of the Reading Cycle Campaign competition, taken in Star Road, Lower Caversham. Credit: Andrew Butler

The marking is located between Star Road’s junction with Amersham Road and the Co-op, which used to be The Star pub.

Finally, the winning ‘ugly’ example was of a cycle parking hoop with a rusted base, located between Kings Meadow and Christchurch Bridge.

The 'Ugly Winner' of the Reading Cycle Campaign competition, showing a damaged bike rack in Reading. Credit: Michael Lawrence

Michael Lawrence, who took the photo, said: “Cycle racks have been pulled up, however Reading council are not addressing this, but are spending £20 million on the nearby new Hexagon theatre and central library.”

The awards were given out at the festival hosted by the Reading Cycle Campaign, which was set up to lobby for better cycling facilities in the town.

The various bad and ugly examples submitted during the competition will be sent to Reading Borough Council for review.

Earlier this Summer, the Cycle Campaign highlighted a host of examples of incorrect or missing road signs for cyclists across Reading.

At the time, a spokesperson for the council said a number of signs in the town require attention, it is aware of a report that the Cycle Campaign published and raised it with council officers for them to consider. 

The Reading Cycle Festival took place on Sunday, September 25.

Recently, a two-way cycle lane in Sidmouth Street was made permanent, and the council has begun to lay double yellow lines in Shinfield Road as part of its plans to make the road better for cyclists.