1st July 2024
On Sunday 30th of June, there was a mass cycle ride around the village of Haddenham, Buckinghamshire. Cyclists from three to 83 years old came together in a colourful procession of 398 riders to demonstrate the joy of riding a bike.
The point was to show the massive support for a greenway between Haddenham and Thame. A greenway is a safe route free of motor traffic, not just for cyclists, but also walkers, wheelers and horse riders, along the lines of the wildly popular Phoenix Trail between Thame and Princes Risborough.
The case for the greenway (in terms of business, safety, health and wellbeing) is cast iron but progress is invisible. A similar ride twenty years ago is still remembered by some participants today. Cathy Gaulter-Carter of one of the supporting organisations, Thame Green Living, said: “How is it that nothing has been built?!”
Alan Thawley, Chair of organisers Haddenham Safe Walking and Cycling said “the ride in 2004 followed the road route between Haddenham and Thame – now this is too dangerous to contemplate, showing how vital the greenway is.”
The greenway will help Haddenham residents access shops, businesses and schools, whilst Thame commuters will be connected to their parkway station two miles away (opened in 1987 and still not connected apart from by road). Plus young people will be less dependent on adults to drive them between these interdependent settlements.
After such a long wait Haddenham, Thame and residents of other local villages are calling for action.
