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Legal challenge launched and protests planned against Velo South

Closed road event will see 15,000 cyclists ride 100 miles through West Sussex later this month

With little more than a fortnight to go until the inaugural edition of the closed road sportive Velo South in West Sussex on 23 September, some locals opposed to the event are launching a legal challenge to try to stop it from taking place as well as a “walking protest” on the day.

The event will see 15,000 cyclists tackle a 100-mile route through the county, but the West Sussex County Times reports that solicitors acting on behalf of a group of local residents have delivered a pre-action letter to West Sussex County Council (WSCC).

The action is being taken by residents who are concerned that road closures associated with the event will prevent them being able to use their cars on the day and will also affect local businesses.

The solicitors’ letter includes “an urgent application for interim relief prohibiting the event from taking place, pending the final determination of the proceedings.”

The letter adds: “As such, any additional costs incurred by either WSCC or CSM towards the preparation of the event is now entirely at your own risk.”

A spokesman for West Sussex County Council, quoted in the newspaper, said: “On Friday, August 31, the county council received a letter from lawyers instructed by five residents.

“The letter makes a number of claims on behalf of those individuals about the procedure and arrangements for enabling road closures in connection with the proposed Velo South cycle event.

“The county council will, in accordance with the formal process in which the letter has been sent, consider its content and provide a full response to the lawyers as required.

“Given that such a formal legal process has now been commenced it will not be appropriate for the council to comment further on the letter at this stage.”

A website, Stop Velo South, encourages people to download and deliver letters outlining objections to the event to deliver to their neighbours, to put posters in their windows and to take part in a “walking protest.”

The website says that “A safe and legal walking protest has been registered with West Sussex Police.

“A walking protest is planned on the day which will be peaceful, legal and within our statutory rights. 

“We encourage you to speak with your feet and walk with us.

“Exact details will be published nearer the event,” it adds.

Chris Matthews, one of the organisers of Stop Velo South, claims that the group now has more than 3,000 members.

Last week, he told the Midhurst and Petworth Observer: “The thing that surprised us is you’d expect fatigue would set in, that people would become more resigned to the event happening, but people are getting angrier as the day approaches because more and more people are discovering that it’s going to happen.”

Velo South is run by CSM Events, and a spokesman for the company told Spirit FM: "We are working closely with our partners West Sussex County Council, Chichester and Horsham District Councils and Parish Councils to deliver an event we hope will raise substantial amounts for charity and boost health, tourism and the economy within the West Sussex region.

“Over 162,000 leaflets have been distributed to residents and businesses across the whole route since February and numerous ‘roadshows’ have been held to communicate details about the event and the necessary road closures.

“We will assist residents or businesses that are affected wherever possible," he continued. "Should residents or businesses along the Velo South route have any specific concerns about access during the day they are encouraged to email route [at] velosouth.com.

The spokesman added: “Emergency services representatives have been involved in the entire Velo South planning process and services responding to any kind of emergency will be facilitated by the organisers, managed from the Event Control Room in partnership with emergency service representatives.”

CSM Events also organised last year’s Velo Birmingham which encountered similar protests.

Tacks and oil were spread on the route of the event last September, although it received an overwhelmingly positive reception and not just from particpants.

Rachel Farrow, who lives in the Worcestershire village of Little Witley, told road.cc that prior to Velo Birmingham, “the local press seemed to be on a mission to stoke the negative feelings with a rather anti cycling agenda.”

But she said that it had “generated a real buzz in our community,” that her children had been able to ride their bikes through their home village “which just isn’t possible usually due to the traffic that comes in off the main road.”

> Velo Birmingham saboteurs fail to spoil day for riders and locals

She added that while road closures meant taking a detour while travelling by car to a christening on the day of the event, “really it wasn’t that much hassle.”

It had been planned for Velo Birmingham to return for this year, but in February organisers said that it would instead be postponed until 2019 with a new route.

> No repeat of Vélo Birmingham this year - but event will return in spring 2019 and on a new route

We have asked CSM Events for their reaction to thee protests against Velo South.

Simon joined road.cc as news editor in 2009 and is now the site’s community editor, acting as a link between the team producing the content and our readers. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, he has reported on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, the latest developments in the bike industry and the sport’s biggest races. Now back in London full-time after 15 years living in Oxford and Cambridge, he loves cycling along the Thames but misses having his former riding buddy, Elodie the miniature schnauzer, in the basket in front of him.

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89 comments

Avatar
Skytriker | 5 years ago
5 likes

I have written to the protesters with a similar letter to that below. I also sent it to the local press, who have now asked for it to be sent in letter form for possible publication, which I have reproduced below. If it is published it will at least make what I hope are valid points to the wider readership, although probably too long and not adding fuel to the fire the press will, no doubt, be fanning.

 

Sir, the idea of the Stop Velo South (SVS) protest group organising an alternative to the Velo South event, for 2019, is very appealing. I would strongly recommend that SVS sell their proposal to the 15000 riders of Velo South, to attract them to the event, rather than antagonise them with attempts to have the event cancelled or disrupted. Clearly, any attempt to endanger participants would be likely to result in legal action against those responsible, only adding to the negativity. 
I can certainly understand the anger at the alleged lack of consultation, but I am struggling to understand the true motivation of the protest group. If they are genuinely going to propose a better event then they will need to close roads for safety. And if they intend to make it fully inclusive, this closure would probably need to be for the entire weekend. This means that, according to SVS, local businesses will be affected and residents will be 'trapped' in their homes, unless they hold it in someone else's back yard.
So that just leaves the commercial aspect. For the entrance fee, the organisers will incur a high level of cost just to manage an event of this scale. They will certainly be making a profit, and I can understand the annoyance that this profit is being made at the expense of some disruption, albeit for 1/365th of a year. However, what does not seem to be considered is that a huge amount of money is being raised for good causes. Sadly, because of a little disruption to their Sunday, SVS would deprive these good causes from receiving much needed money raised by these endurance cyclists. 
It is disapponting for businesses that are negatively affected, although the Velo South website clearly shows businesses that are making the most of the event and details the help given to them. In many cases, I am sure that affected businesses could have done more to make use of the day, but I also appreciate that moaning and calling for compensation is a route requiring less effort. Those businesses prepared to get off their backsides and sell themselves are going to have a profitable day, especially as some of the 'trapped' residents may well take advantage of the festivities. I have no connection with any organiser or sponsor, but am registered to ride in your beautiful region, with my son. We have two nights accomodation booked and will be spending money in restaurants and, hopefully, celebrating our achievement with a beer or two. Multiply that by 15000 and your region is set to benefit financially. That is not to mention the subsequent holiday bookings once people are introduced to the area.
Clearly, not all businesses can take advantage and not all residents can do without a car, which is why Velo South have offered assistance where there are special needs.  I sincerely hope that SVS is not limited to complaining and is capable of putting together an event that is so much better than Velo South - even though they don't yet know what that benchmark is. I, for one, will support whatever they do - if it is professionally and safely executed. Unfortunately, my experience is that 'walking the talk' is much harder than simply complaining. I would be interested to read details of the plan, which, if they are holding it in 2019, should be well underway. Have they discussed it with the local councils?  Have they got sponsors onboard? Have they planned a route that won't effect any businesses or trap people in their homes? No, didn't think so.
For those of you with a more tolerant nature, who wish to enjoy this spectacular day, I look forward to giving you a friendly wave.
 

Update: I have since heard from Velo South that they will not profit from this inaugural event and hope to make a £2 million donation to charity. I have updated the letter accordingly and resubmitted it to the press.

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Zigster | 5 years ago
2 likes

I live in West Sussex and some of the people I ride with are doing Velo South, so definitely some locals (for a given definition of "local") will be riding that day.

Also, I live on the London to Brighton route.  Several organised rides pass my house each year, including the BHF one in June when there are road closures and diversions to accommodate 30,000+ (I think) riders coming past all through the day.  Despite it being a pain to get around by car that day, I don't bitch about it - I sit out the front with my kids encouraging the riders (some of the riders really need encouraging by that time), and I find a cheery reminder that they still have Ditchling Beacon ahead of them always elicits a smile.  At least, I think it's a smile.  1

Our local Scout group has a refreshments stall on the village common which raises a lot for them, so the ride coming through the village benefits the village.

Glass half full vs glass half-empty.

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alexb | 5 years ago
1 like

162,000 leaflets sent out and only 3000 "members", that's 0.02% of the possible number making the positive step to join the organisation.

It's not exactly overwhelming support is it?

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Rapha Nadal | 5 years ago
2 likes

For real and with the almost identical whinings on Twitter.

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brooksby | 5 years ago
2 likes

Is this person for real or are they just unhappy that they won't be allowed out from under their bridge on that day...? 

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APE1 | 5 years ago
0 likes

Farmers have animals to feed, livestock to look after etc - it is a daily routine. Many farms are being blocked in this rural community.  Too many people are commenting without any real knowledge of the area or the people. So a cycle ride is important to some, visiting grandchildren, the impending birth of a baby is important to others. Neither should impinge on the other. As for raising money for charity, it is still possible to donate to charity without riding a bike.

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Rapha Nadal replied to APE1 | 5 years ago
1 like

APE1 wrote:

Farmers have animals to feed, livestock to look after etc - it is a daily routine. Many farms are being blocked in this rural community.  Too many people are commenting without any real knowledge of the area or the people. So a cycle ride is important to some, visiting grandchildren, the impending birth of a baby is important to others. Neither should impinge on the other. As for raising money for charity, it is still possible to donate to charity without riding a bike.

Andy Loxwood, is that you?

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Simon E replied to APE1 | 5 years ago
6 likes

APE1 wrote:

Farmers have animals to feed, livestock to look after etc - it is a daily routine. Many farms are being blocked in this rural community.  Too many people are commenting without any real knowledge of the area or the people.

Yeah, like none of us live in a similar area. And none of us have ever seen this kind of whining, self-pitying NIMBY stuff before.

Farmers (and everyone else) can work around brief road closures just like they can work around resurfacing and other disruptions.

If you look at places where closed-roads events already take place - and not only us 'orrible cyclists - you'll find that there are always a few moaners making a disproportionate amount of noise while the vast majority accomodate or even embrace the event and get on with their lives. Instead of seeing it as a problem forward-thinking businesses use it as an opportunity and invariably do well. It's an inexpensive way of promoting a business to more people or even just getting a bit of good PR in the local press.

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ktache | 5 years ago
4 likes

" all of whom cannot leave their homes"

Really....?

 

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vonhelmet | 5 years ago
3 likes

Think of all the waaaaahmbulances that won’t be able to get to the poor motorists!

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APE1 | 5 years ago
0 likes

The only act of selfishness is from the organisers of Velo South who have created a circular route passing by thousands of residential houses all of whom cannot leave their homes. The roads are closed from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. making it impossible for residents to get about.

We have been alloted a time by Birmingham University to get our daughter there for her first year, we face the massive inconvenience of having to leave home the night before.

I have no problem with people wanting to cycle but not at the expense of inconveniencing so many other people, which the organisers have not taken in to consideration. Many other comments are comparing it with the Tour de France - but it is not, it is simply a money making excercise for the organisers. A better solution would have been to make the route a straight route thereby allowing roads to be opened after an hour or if there was desire to ride in a circle then hire Goodwood race track.

There was no consulatation prior to the event we simply received a leaflet through our door very unhelpfully telling us we couldn't leave our house on the 23rd September and to park on our own drive. I cannot believe the complete disregard and cheek. Outraged resident.

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Rapha Nadal replied to APE1 | 5 years ago
3 likes

APE1 wrote:

Many other comments are comparing it with the Tour de France - but it is not, it is simply a money making excercise for the organisers.

You mean like the Tour de France?

BTBS, it looks as if you've a good contender to your Gammon of Road.cc crown.

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PRSboy | 5 years ago
2 likes

I have family and friends who live in Worcestershire, in the villages that were directly affected by the Velo Birmingham.

The organisers could have really helped themselves with a proper PR campaign, leaflet drop to all affected properties etc during the early stages.  The first many folk knew about it was when the road closure notification signs went up.

There seemed to be no consultation either between the county council and local councils.

They evidently did not learn their lesson.

It is all very well saying that the local economy benefits, but if, for example, you are a pub/restaurant on the route in some far-flung rural area, riders will not stop for sunday lunch.  So there goes quite a big % of your weekly revenue.

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davel | 5 years ago
5 likes

Barricaded 

If only sad-sacks like that could be barricaded in their own homes, for much more than one day. When I'm king etc.

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Jem PT | 5 years ago
6 likes

It's funny, every year residents and businesses are affected by the Notting Hill Carnival. Businesses on the route effectively have to close (board up) for 4 days. No drama, just an accepted part of life every August Bank Holoiday weekend in this part of London.

 

And these poor Stop Velo dears can't bear to make adjustments to a few hours of one day, out of the 8,760 hours in a year. How sad!

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tigersnapper | 5 years ago
5 likes

I rode the (closed road) Mallorca 312 this year.  They give out a load of info with the entry pack and in one of the booklets state the estimated addition to the local economy is 16 million euros.  I am sure there are differences in scale as I am sure people will stay in Mallorca a bit longer than 1 night but it really is short sighted of the locals to scoff at this boost to the economy, especially as it is at the end of the tourist season!

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burtthebike replied to tigersnapper | 5 years ago
2 likes

tigersnapper wrote:

I rode the (closed road) Mallorca 312 this year.  They give out a load of info with the entry pack and in one of the booklets state the estimated addition to the local economy is 16 million euros.  I am sure there are differences in scale as I am sure people will stay in Mallorca a bit longer than 1 night but it really is short sighted of the locals to scoff at this boost to the economy, especially as it is at the end of the tourist season!

Exactly the same is said about pedestrian schemes, that they will devastate the local economy, but they always seem to end up making more money.  Of course we all know the real problem the shop owners object, it's because they won't be able to park their car all day outside their shop.

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rogermerriman replied to tigersnapper | 5 years ago
0 likes

tigersnapper wrote:

I rode the (closed road) Mallorca 312 this year.  They give out a load of info with the entry pack and in one of the booklets state the estimated addition to the local economy is 16 million euros.  I am sure there are differences in scale as I am sure people will stay in Mallorca a bit longer than 1 night but it really is short sighted of the locals to scoff at this boost to the economy, especially as it is at the end of the tourist season!

 

Judging by other such events tends to be winners and loosers so if your a hotel etc in the right place? yes probably is good, but for others not so. 

 

The route does seem to have quite a few breakout points ie where you could drive over/under the route i'm sure for some it will be pain but compared to some closed routes it seems reasonably ok for folks needing to get about.

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iandusud | 5 years ago
3 likes

I suggest that should they get there way that a "perfectly legal" cycling protest is organised to run on the original route. 

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John Smith | 5 years ago
12 likes

I do hope that the police let them protest only to move them out of the way when cyclists come, or force them to change the route of the protest. They can lawfully protest then without disrupting traffic. No need to cause disruption.

 

My mums house was right on the route of the Tour de Yorkshire in 2016. She could not get in or out for a day, so she held a garden party in her front garden, invited friends and sold cake for McMillan whilst they watched.

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Danger Dicko replied to John Smith | 5 years ago
7 likes

John Smith wrote:

I do hope that the police let them protest only to move them out of the way when cyclists come, or force them to change the route of the protest. They can lawfully protest then without disrupting traffic. No need to cause disruption.

 

My mums house was right on the route of the Tour de Yorkshire in 2016. She could not get in or out for a day, so she held a garden party in her front garden, invited friends and sold cake for McMillan whilst they watched.

That's brilliant.

I was on Jenkin Road in Sheffield for the TdF and saw how having the roads closed for this event actually brought the community closer together. Neighbours spoke to each other for the first time in years. It was brilliant and not one dissenting voice.

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Pigpen | 5 years ago
2 likes

So at Velo Birmingham, there were reports of tacks and oil being put on the road, would that not just damage their car tyres the next day, stupidity seems very short-sighted.

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Daveyraveygravey | 5 years ago
1 like

The organisers of the protest were claiming they were going to be barricaded in their own homes all day because of the event!

I have some sympathy for them as I think CSM have done the absolute minimum and done it as late as they can in terms of making it clear to local people when and where roads would be closed.  The closures do seem incredibly long too, although the only closed road event I have done is Ridelondon.

There's a petition supporting the ride - https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/we-welcome-the-velo-south

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brooksby replied to Daveyraveygravey | 5 years ago
10 likes

Daveyraveygravey wrote:

The organisers of the protest were claiming they were going to be barricaded in their own homes all day because of the event!

I have some sympathy for them as I think CSM have done the absolute minimum and done it as late as they can in terms of making it clear to local people when and where roads would be closed.  The closures do seem incredibly long too, although the only closed road event I have done is Ridelondon.

There's a petition supporting the ride - https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/we-welcome-the-velo-south

"Barricaded in their homes "? It's a sportive, not the zombie apocalypse...

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Dnnnnnn replied to brooksby | 5 years ago
2 likes

Daveyraveygravey wrote:

There's a petition supporting the ride - https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/we-welcome-the-velo-south

Do think about putting your names on the petition. It's more useful than posting on road.cc.

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alansmurphy replied to Dnnnnnn | 5 years ago
1 like

Duncann wrote:

Daveyraveygravey wrote:

There's a petition supporting the ride - https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/we-welcome-the-velo-south

Do think about putting your names on the petition. It's more useful than posting on road.cc.

 

But fewer pictures of squirrels!

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hawkinspeter replied to alansmurphy | 5 years ago
9 likes

alansmurphy wrote:

Duncann wrote:

Daveyraveygravey wrote:

There's a petition supporting the ride - https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/we-welcome-the-velo-south

Do think about putting your names on the petition. It's more useful than posting on road.cc.

But fewer pictures of squirrels!

I've signed the petition now, so we can have both!

In memoriam of Burt Reynolds:

 

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don simon fbpe replied to Daveyraveygravey | 5 years ago
1 like

Daveyraveygravey wrote:

The organisers of the protest were claiming they were going to be barricaded in their own homes all day because of the event!

I have some sympathy for them as I think CSM have done the absolute minimum and done it as late as they can in terms of making it clear to local people when and where roads would be closed.  The closures do seem incredibly long too, although the only closed road event I have done is Ridelondon.

There's a petition supporting the ride - https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/we-welcome-the-velo-south

Do these people want to be taken seriously, or openly mocked for being stupids?

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oldstrath replied to don simon fbpe | 5 years ago
1 like

don simon wrote:

Daveyraveygravey wrote:

The organisers of the protest were claiming they were going to be barricaded in their own homes all day because of the event!

I have some sympathy for them as I think CSM have done the absolute minimum and done it as late as they can in terms of making it clear to local people when and where roads would be closed.  The closures do seem incredibly long too, although the only closed road event I have done is Ridelondon.

There's a petition supporting the ride - https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/we-welcome-the-velo-south

Do these people want to be taken seriously, or openly mocked for being stupids?

Of course we shouldn't mock them, as they are clearly all too disabled to move at all except by car. It's really very sad.

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Fishpastesarnie replied to Daveyraveygravey | 5 years ago
6 likes

Daveyraveygravey wrote:

The organisers of the protest were claiming they were going to be barricaded in their own homes all day because of the event!

Barricaded in their homes but still able to go outside to have a walking protest and sabotage the event. The usual hyperbole spouted out to local rags.

 

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