Cyclists now have some further options to secure their bikes in our village centre, thanks to two double cycle racks just installed on The Green by Ruddington Parish Council.
The idea of more robust bike racks for Ruddington, in addition to those outside the Co-op and the wall brackets attached to some existing shop fronts, was suggested by Ruddington Village Centre Partnership (RVCP) as part of the Traders’ Village Improvement Plan.
Julie Smith of RVCP explains: “It was felt that there was a lack of places near the High Street for bikes to be stored when customers came to shop. This also aligned with the Neighbourhood Plan’s aspiration to give priority to non-vehicular modes of transport.
“We therefore proposed to the Parish Council that the bike-parks be increased on the High Street/the village green to encourage this activity. The Parish Council were able to align our request with their own plans, and have been proactive in making these happen on the Village Green.”
Councillors voted to fund these four, black, metal bike racks, with two being installed near the bus shelter and another two at the corner next to the noticeboard. These new racks should be especially useful for cyclists visiting the monthly Village Market and other outdoor events held there throughout the year. Concrete pads are set to be installed under the new racks when the weather permits.
Ruddington Parish Councillor, Cllr Mike Gaunt, who is also an elected Borough Councillor, says: “I am delighted to see that four new bike racks have been installed by the Parish Council on The Green. It is essential that, wherever possible, we encourage people to leave their cars at home and come into the village to use our fantastic local shops and services.”
He adds: “The Parish Council continues to look at ways that we can make Ruddington more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable – and cycling safely into the centre provides one of these opportunities.
“Hopefully the County Council will get the wheels in motion soon and provide the six further cycle racks they’ve promised for the high street, so that we can further improve the green credentials of this amazing village.”
Mark Pinks of RVCP reveals that these additional village centre cycle racks have been requested outside Ruddington Fish Bar, Coral Bookmakers and Morton’s Deli/Phoenix Flowers. However, they are still going through Nottinghamshire County Council‘s planning process.
Graham Wright via RUDDINGTON.info