Fill That Hole!

 Potholes are an annoyance for drivers and can cause damage to vehicles. For cyclists they pose an even greater threat, that of injury and even death. Cyclists are also more likely to encounter potholes as the majority are on the edge of the carriageway and are more common on the smaller, quieter back roads we prefer to use. In Worcestershire these roads are only inspected annually whereas the main roads are inspected monthly. That’s why its important for cyclists to report any dangerous potholes so they can be fixed more quickly. There are now two options for doing this.

 The County Council has a new on-line reporting tool on its website www.worcestershire.gov.uk All you need to do is click through on the ‘Report’ and ‘Potholes’ buttons. There’s also a useful video to show you how to complete the form. Once reported major defects should be fixed within 1-24 hours and others between 7 and 28 days. Only holes over 200mm in diameter (the size of a dinner plate) and 40mm deep (the depth of a fist) will be filled. They will however fill linear cracks that a bike wheel could get caught in and clear away debris.

The Cyclists’ Touring Club, offers an i-phone and android ‘Fill That Hole’ App that makes it easier to report potholes in situ. The App is easy to use and automatically sends your report to the appropriate Highway Authority. This means it can be used for reporting potholes and road defects anywhere in the UK. Its also useful for motorists to have too. You can download your free App from www.fillthathole.org.uk

For other useful information on cycling in Worcestershire have a look at the Push Bike! website www.pushbikecampaign.org

When is a pothole a BIG pothole?!