Herts County Council has issued the draft Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) ref SA 005 24 for 40mph & 50mph speed limits along the A5183 Redbourn/St Albans Road.  Whilst welcoming the imposition of 50 mph along the section that is currently 60 mph, we are astonished at the raising of the current 30-mph speed limit on the approach to Redbourn to 40 mph. This seems hardly likely to improve road safety at the busy and already hazardous roundabout. The relevant text from the draft proposals is:

The speed-limit restrictions are proposed to reduce the existing section of National Speed Limit to a 50mph speed limit along Redbourn Road. It would also extend into the existing 40mph limit to create a 40/50 speed limit change point 30 metres south east of the southern boundary of the property known as ‘Runners Cottage’. The existing 30/40 speed-limit change point would be

relocated north of the B487/A5183 roundabout junction to the northern boundary of the property known as ‘Bridge House’.

HCC invite you send objections or any other representations to tro.team@hertfordshire.gov.uk by 23rd May 2024

North Drive has at last been re-opened after the expiry of the TTRO (temporary traffic-regulation order) and the contamination has been downgraded. You can now cycle along North Drive and South Drive, but there is a rather bizarrely worded notice on South Drive warning that North Drive is temporarily closed to pedestrians and horses, but not, apparently, to cyclists. There is still a security guard at the entrance to South Drive checking the credentials of any motorists.

Redbourn Bike Shop

The Bike Loft on Redbourn High Street has changed hands and is now called Le Patron and run by Andrew, who worked there previously for 12 years. Note the new opening hours: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9 - 5, and Saturday 9 - 12.

Here we go again...Alban Way flooding

Allison Wren, the new county councillor for Harpenden Rural following the departure of Annie Brewster to be High Sheriff, has informed STACC that she was very disappointed to see that a stretch of the shared-use path alongside the A1081 was missed out as part of the upgrade done at the end of last year. This is the section between the two entrances to Childwickbury. She brought this to the attention of the relevant officers and is delighted to report that they now agree that this section does need further work that includes siding out, hedge cutting and micro-surfacing the path, and she is hoping that it will be done during the summer months.

The Tour de Ricky takes place on Saturday 1st June and comprises a set of challenging rides and a cycling-fun day, based at Woodoaks Farm near Maple Cross  WD3 9XQ. If you want to try a challenging ride, there are still places available on the 100km and 50km Audax ride; the 200km (gulp!) is fully booked. If you feel like a less-challenging ride, SPOKES, the cycling group for South West Herts is planning a series of shorter rides led by experienced and knowledgeable local cyclists. Starting from 10 am, after the audax rides have gone, experienced leaders will take groups out and about.

SPOKES are specifically inviting STACC members to join their Cycle Gathering - arrive when it suits, spend as much time on the farm as you wish, but SPOKES would like as many cyclists as possible present at 1pm for a mass photo shoot.

Events: Chiltern 100

This epic event is delivered in partnership between Verulam CC  ATW and Chiltern Velo. With distances varying from the 60km Explorer, the 100km Medio Fondo, up to the formidable 160km Gran Fondo with over 2000m of climbing, there is something for everyone on two wheels. With fully signposted routes, chip-timing, downloadable gpx files and feed stations on the route, this is a great way to explore the beautiful Chiltern countryside.

All routes start from event HQ in Bellingdon, near Chiltern Velo cafe. More details and entry form here.