Wokingham Borough Connect
 Youngsters get hands-on lesson in cutting air pollution
Pupils from Year 5 at Hawthorns and Evendons primary schools marked Clean Air Day last Thursday (16 June) by measuring air pollution around their schools.
The air quality officer from My Journey Wokingham, our active travel team, gave a talk to the children about the dangers of breathing in pollutants like nitrogen dioxide. This gas, which irritates the lungs and affects the heart, is produced by burning fossil fuels so exhaust fumes are a major contributor, particularly private cars.
The pupils then took part in a hands-on workshop, using new hand-held monitors to record levels of the gas at drop-off time and around their school grounds later in the day. This has been shown to be highest in the morning before dropping to very low levels once the rush hour is over.
The children then learned how they can improve air quality by walking, cycling and scooting to school, and on other short trips, instead of being driven – and by encouraging others to do the same.
 Are you missing out on free shopping vouchers?
Residents, workers and students across the borough have burned 3.2 million calories, the same amount found in more than 12,500 jam doughnuts, by using an innovative new smartphone app that rewards users for leaving their cars at home.
My Journey Wokingham Challenge, hosted on the free Innovation Valley Rewards app launched three months ago. Already more than 400 people have signed up and walked, cycled, scooted or taken the bus or train for a total of 63,945 miles – the equivalent of more than two trips around the Equator, and just over a quarter of the way to the Moon.
They’ve logged nearly 33,000 active or sustainable journeys, potentially avoiding almost 15,500kg of carbon dioxide emissions, with about 19,500 of the total miles logged on foot while just over 14,000 were cycled and 813 miles were run. People also rode 6,731 miles on buses and 22,271 miles by train.
Users can record their trips on the app to earn ValleyCoins, which can be redeemed for shopping vouchers at a wide range of retailers or donated to charity. They can also earn ValleyTickets to enter weekly and monthly prize draws for “pots” of ValleyCoins totalling more than £100.
All figures correct as of week commencing 13 June 2022.
 Visit My Journey at Wokingham Bikeathon
Hundreds of cyclists will be out this Sunday (26 June) to mark the return of Wokingham Bikeathon.
The Bikeathon is an annual bike ride which showcases some of the borough's most beautiful countryside with a choice of routes to suit all ages and abilities.
Starting and finishing at Cantley Park in Wokingham, riders have the opportunity to cycle a 15 mile, 25 mile or 35 mile route, all of which have drink stops and toilets. You can find out more about the routes, and register to take part, on the Wokingham Bikeathon website.Participants can also sign up on the day from 8.15am to 10.30am, although all payments on the day must be contactless.
And, whether you are cycling in the Bikeathon, or just coming along to see people off, you can also meet the Wokingham My Journey team who will be attending the Bikeathon to run an electric bike event in partnership with Wokingham Town Council, giving you the chance to try out an e-bike. Pre-booked spaces are now full up, but pop along after 11.30am to have a go.
 Electronic signs - last chance to have your say
Over the past couple of months we have been trialling electronic message signs in eight hotspots around the borough.
There are two of these in Wokingham town, two in and around Earley, two in the north of the borough and two in the south, all in places where queues tend to build at peak times.
The signs are designed to help reduce congestion, and can be programmed to show a variety of messages to help you make better decisions about how, when and where to travel, including the cause of any delays and alternative routes or travel options.
We want to know whether these are clear and easy to understand – and whether they’ve helped you with any of your recent journeys.
By sharing your views, you'll be helping us ensure they're working as effectively as possible. It's only a short survey and we'd be thankful for a few minutes of your time.
 Upcoming roadworks
Crowthorne
2-way lights – Lower Wokingham Road, Crowthorne
The lights will be in place on 30 June, 9.30am to 3.30pm at the junction of Bramley Grove. This is to allow Openreach to replace an existing pole.
https://one.network/?GB129256742
Earley
2-way lights – Lower Earley Way, Earley
The lights will be in place between 27 June to 1 July at the junction of Beeston Way. This is to allow SSE to carry out reinforcement works.
https://one.network/?GB129204133
Road Closure – Wilderness Road, Earley
The closure will be in place between Pepper Lane and Wokingham Road, on 28 June, 9am to 3pm. This is to carry out resurfacing works.
https://one.network/?GB129264559
Finchampstead
Multi-way lights – Jubilee Road, Finchampstead
These lights will be in place at the junction of Longwater Road, 29 June to 1 July, 9.30am to 3pm. This is to allow Openreach to excavate to clear blockages.
https://one.network/?GB129190524
Road Closure – Fleet Hill, Finchampstead
The closure will be in place between Reading Road and Longwater Road, on 30 June, between 9.30am and 4pm. This is to carry out resurfacing works.
https://one.network/?GB129326924
Shinfield
Multi-way lights – Arborfield Road, Shinfield
These lights will be in place at the junction of Oatlands Road on 29 June. This is to carry out works on street lighting.
https://one.network/?GB128892092
Swallowfield
Road Closure – Church Road Swallowfield
The closure will be in place between Nutbean Lane and Part Lane from 4 to 13 July. This is to allow Thames Water to carry out repairs on a damaged water main.
https://one.network/?GB129271747
Twyford
2-way lights – Wargrave Road, Twyford
The lights will be in place on 27 June, 9.30am to 4pm, between Kings Gardens and Stephenson Close. This is to replace a manhole cover and frame.
https://one.network/?GB129317128
Wokingham
Road Closure – Finchampstead Road, Wokingham
The closure will be in place between Sandhurst Road and Nine Mile Ride, 29 June to 1 July, between 9.30am and 4pm. This is to carry out resurfacing works.
https://one.network/?GB128119874
Road Closure – Wiltshire Road, Wokingham
The closure will be in place between Bell Foundry Lane and Rectory Road, on 1 July, 9.30am to 4pm. This is to carry out resurfacing works.
https://one.network/?GB129333109
Woodley
Multi-way lights – Headley Road, Woodley
These lights will be in place between Arundel Road and Reading Road on 27 June, 9.30am to 4pm. This is to replace a manhole cover.
https://one.network/?GB129320126
Keeping up to date
- For planned and emergency roadworks, follow our Twitter and Facebook pages
- To find out about roadworks near you, visit One.network
- For active and sustainable travel, including events, training and resources, visit MyJourney Wokingham
- Visit our major new roads page for plans and updates
- For information on re-surfacing and reactive carriageway repairs visit our pothole and road repairs page
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You can report any issues with roads and streets online, including street lights, problems with traffic lights, potholes, damaged street furniture, problems with road markings and removal of dead animals.
- On our parking and permits page, you can find information including car parks and costs around the borough, resident parking permits, park and ride services and appealing a parking fine.
- Our transport and travel page includes information on applying for a senior citizen or disabled person's bus and train pass and local public transport information.
- The blue parking badges page has information on applying for, using, replacing and returning your blue badge.
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