Streetlife

Wandsworth Council

What do you think about an annual 'Olympic' style bike race in Wandsworth

With many people in the area agreeing that the two Olympic road races  have been among the best highlights of the 2012 games so far, councillors are now asking the public what they think about staging an exciting annual event in the borough.

If people support the idea, then councillors could suggest it as an idea to neighbouring boroughs and Transport for London.

There was of course a degree of disruption so some people may not be in favour, but others may feel that the thrill and excitement of welcoming back the world's top riders to Putney and Richmond Park to compete in a brand new race, or even incorporate the route to Box Hill into the existing Tour of Britain or even the Tour de France, would be a worthwhile challenge, especially for the boost it could bring the local economy.

Please let us know what you think
I'm with Wandsworth Council

Comments

Showing 1 - 25 of 57
Matthew G
I'm sure there'll be 101 dull practical issues to think about but in principle I think this is a great idea.

Be nice to prove the Olympic naysayers wrong and have something lasting and positive happen in the Borough!
Ian Bull
This is a splendid idea, particularly as there are so many ardent cyclists in the Borough. I hope the Council pursues this.

I say that despite not being a cyclist.

Matthew G. I was an Olympic naysayer from day one and my worst fears are sadly being proven. Not only has the event resulted in vast and irrecoverable expense it is damaging London's economy, my business included.

All the best

Ian
Lucinda
I think it's an excellent idea and would gladly put up with the disruption as long as we are forewarned plenty of time in advance and perfect planning is put into motion.
Joanna c
I'm sure there is a huge number of cyclists who would like that and like the boat race or marathon we can put up with a day's disruption. However if my rates go up to support it I might change my mind!
Sunny P
I like to cycle but I am concerned about the cost. Who is going to fund it?
The cost of policing the event,the erection of safety barriers, road closure and signage etc.
This is at a time when libraries are closing or shortening their opening hours,Day Centres and services curtailed. No Primary School places.
Surely the legacy of the council is to provide services for all for the long term.
Also the only businesses who would benefit are the local food and drink outlets and supermarkets along the route,so not all.
ps If we are to have this we should also have the fireworks during Guy Fawkes in all the parks reinstated as budget constraints put a stop to this.
Lucinda
The funding is of course an issue which would have to be addressed but perhaps the council could look into sponsorship and that could be a way of covering the costs.
Wilko
I too think it's a fabulous idea. We can put up with the disruption for something that we can be proud of. However, would the cost be covered by sponsors, or would it result in increased council tax?
I'm with Wivelsfield Walkies
Jo
I like the idea too but if it means that budget is taken from other areas then I give a resounding no. Sunny has already outlined some valid reasons and I would like to know more details of the economic boost that it would bring. Let's get our priorities right.
Diana S
I think that is a wonderful idea. I am not a cyclist or particularly a fan, but it would be great to perhaps encourage more young people( or even older) to become involved in a sport. A little inspiration and fun is alwys a good thing. People soon get over a little bit of disruption. After all what do we live life for and work so hard for it it isn't for some enjoyment at the end of the day .
Good luck with the campaign.
Andy
This would be an excellent addittion to the calender.  It would be great if Battersea Park, Wandsworth Common and Clapham Common could also included into the route.
caroline w
I think a top-class bike race in Wandsworth would be a cool idea.  It would be even better if it could be tied in, somehow, with a mass local 'fun-ride'.  Not at the same time of course but something like having the race on the Saturday and the fun-ride on the Sunday.

One of the main things about the Olympics is that it will stimulate athletic participation, and not just be a television couch-surfing fest.
Wilko
I like your idea Caroline W!
I'm with Wivelsfield Walkies
Anne L
i too think its a great idea. let's try and build on the success of the Olympics and the success of our cyclists. of course there will be difficulties - but sometimes a leap of fatih is required. And yes, lets also have a fun ride as well as the pros.
Sue S
I love the idea. I am sure that lambeth's excellent sustainable transport / cycling promotion officers would be more than happy to support.
Warren
The Tour of Britain is surely the place to start. This year, sadly, there is no London stage (http://www.tourofbritain.com/_ns_race/ ), presumably because neither LDA nor Boroughs could afford it ... There's a Reigate to Guildford stage, so why not Balham to Portsmouth next year? The publicity comes from having the start of end of a stage, I think.
Jon I
Sounds great. Would the council perhaps also consider a smaller, but more regular event like the "Ciclovias" which happen in other major cities around the world.

A video showing what they have done in Colombia & which has been running regularly for over 5 years now is available here:

http://www.streetfilms.org/ciclovia/

Paris also runs similar road openings / closures that removes motor traffic and allows people to travel along them on foot / bike / scooters. It would be a great way for local residents to be able to move around the borough, and/or neighbouring boroughs if they were involved too on streets free of motor traffic.

I'm with Wandsworth Environment Forum
Joanna c
Love the idea of traffic free streets for a day, would be fab for families.
Chris L
Great idea. The atmosphere in Putney on race days was fantastic, it would be cool to repeat this each year.
SJ
Sorry to be a bore, but I think it would be an extremely expensive venture, and as local boroughs are stretched to capacity already, I think any 'spare' money should be spent on keeping hospitals open!  I am a bit biased about this cos we were completely 'marooned' for two days during the olympic cycyle races and it's was a very frustrating and spooky experience!  Sorry!
Jacqueline v
Fantastic idea - especially if tied in with fun family race.Anything to promote bicycles ,have less cars on the road and a safer environment for cyclists!
Karen S
excellent idea. So many people have been inspired to take up cycling and the opportunity to compete or watch competition helps keep the momentum of interest.
i would totally support this and feel it would be an important part of the Olympic legacy and encouraging participation and active lifestyles locally. Brief road disruption is a small price to pay.
Rachel H
Absolutely fantastic idea and I'm a non-cyclist! The atmosphere last weekend when thousands of local residents were out on the streets supporting the cyclists was unbelievable and a local Wandsworth event would encourage young and old to take part which can only be a good thing.  The disruption would only be for one day. Go Wandsworth!

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