The Bikers At Chester Groves

I did mention in my earlier post on this topic that this did intrigue me in more ways than one. So much so, I have now spoken to some of the bikers recently. Just to get the terminology right, my reference to bikers also includes scooters as well. Anyway, with further regard to the bikers at Chester Groves, I’ve found out some more information. Albeit, more information from the bikers only. No further information from the Council as yet. Maybe they have some comments to make?

The Bikers At Chester Groves

What I hear is that the bikers have contacted the Council and suggested ways around this issue. More specifically, have a look at these points:

These proposals have been put to the Council, but they have been ignored from what I’ve been told.

“1/ We suggested all bikes/scooters enter the Groves via Souters Lane avoiding the residents on the other side of the Suspension Bridge.

2/ All bikes/scooters dismount and turn off engines at the cafe and push to park. Thus avoiding any potential health or safety issue with people queuing or crossing to the cafe or toilets.

3/ We offered all to pay a £1 to park with all proceeds going towards the upkeep of the Groves and City Walls, which are a mess.

4/ We offered to put a street event on there annually, inviting musicians, local food outlets and businesses with all proceeds going to nominated local charities.

5/ We suggested that we would be happy with restricted parking hours to minimise noise levels for residents.

The message regarding these proposals concludes with, “What more could we possibly do?”

What More Can Be Done?

Indeed, that is the $64,000 question isn’t it? From what I understand, the reason to effectively stop the bikers parking was because it was announced that it is illegal to ride bikes and scooters from the bottom of Souters Lane along the stretch to the suspension bridge.

Am I right in that assumption? And am I right in saying there has not been any other reason provided? Again, if that is correct, then hasn’t the illegal riding issue been addressed in point number 2/ above?

That in itself should be enough you would think. But, the bikers have gone further with their other proposals. All of which seem to be helpful, generous and productive proposals.

As it stands and the position is to stick with the original decision, then am I missing something? Are we all missing something? Is the illegality of the riding of motorbikes and scooters from the bottom of Souters Lane the only reason? Only the Council can answer that? And for greater clarity and transparency maybe they should?

What Has A Popular Near 70 Year Tradition Been Replaced With?

From what I can see, moving the bikes away from their long established position has been replaced by yellow lines. Not really in keeping with a popular tourist spot in a tourist city you would think. Maybe in keeping with the tourist city theme, there is something appealing and traditional to replace the bikes? Just to clarify what I mean by this, something of appeal to the whole community.

The bikes were (are) of interest to so many people whether or not you are a bike fan. I would imagine that a lot of business was generated on days of good gathering of bikers.

What is to replace the bikers? Something like the artists perhaps who have been present at the far end by the weir for donkeys years maybe? I’m not advocating that this should happen by the way. Just curious if there are any plans to have something more appealing than yellow lines?

If not and we’ve answered the illegality issue in point 2/ above, then sticking to this original decision may well suggest there is another reason that we are all not aware of? As I mentioned, only the Council can address that question? Or would the contents of a Freedom of Information report provide an answer? I’m sure someone from the bikers group and followers are already exploring that avenue.

The Bikers At Chester Groves – Watch This Space

I’ll keep an eye on the developments of this topic. It looks like it may rumble on for some time yet. In my initial post on this topic – you can see this post HERE – I made reference to an online petition you can have a look at. The link for this petition is HERE.

As I write this, it is showing that 1,941 of 2,000 have signed the petition. What does the “of 2,000” mean? Does that mean that 2,000 signatures will have the issues mentioned in the petition re-opened? I’m not sure. Maybe somebody can enlighten me?

Furthermore, there has been a Facebook Group set up called “River Dee Scooter and Motorcyclists Parking and Meeting Place.” It’s a public group so you can easily join if you wish. The link for this group is HERE if you would like to take a look.

Thanks for reading my latest “The Bikers At Chester Groves” blog post and thank you for visiting my Chester Lifestyle website. It is much appreciated.

Stay safe everyone.

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