Date published: 2025-07-30 | Category: Giving people a bigger say, Transport and Development
The consultation report for a proposed walking, wheeling and cycling scheme in Bath has been published today, alongside next steps for the project.
The Bath Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Links (BWWCL) scheme went out to public consultation last year on the project’s proposals. These included 6.2km of new cycling routes across the city, as well as multiple active travel improvements.
The report follows a comprehensive 13-week public consultation that concluded earlier this year and reflects the valuable feedback received from residents, stakeholders and community groups.
Since the consultation closed, the project team has been carefully reviewing all responses, with feedback instrumental in shaping the next phase of the BWWCL project, ensuring it meets the needs of all users and supports a healthier, more connected Bath.
The project will now be delivered in phases. The first phase will focus on the delivery of the City Centre to Kennet & Avon Canal and Weston to City Centre routes. It is expected that construction will begin in 2026.
The remaining two routes – Oldfield School to Newbridge Hill and Links to Royal United Hospital will see further design work and engagement with the local community take place.
Highlights from the consultation report reveal community support for the proposals:
- 64% of 228 respondents expressed strong support or support for the City Centre to Kennet & Avon Canal route.
- Weston to City Centre route received the most supportive responses of any route with 308 respondents expressing strong support or support.
- 63% of 856 respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the Royal Victoria Park to Queen Square improvements within the Weston to City Centre proposal.
- In terms of the barriers which prevent residents from using active travel, there was agreement across all four routes that lack of infrastructure and road safety were the most common factors.
The consultation also resulted in constructive feedback, including:
- A call for improved public transport services and infrastructure changes to reduce traffic speeds.
- Concerns about the removal of parking spaces and the inclusivity of proposals.
- Potential adverse impacts on individuals reliant on cars and public transport, particularly in relation to access to the Royal United Hospital and other medical facilities.
“Thank you to everyone who took part in this consultation,” said Councillor Lucy Hodge, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Delivery.
“Having listened to residents, it’s exciting to be delivering two schemes which will bring significant improvements to walking, wheeling and cycling around our city. We’ll be connecting the popular Kennet & Avon Canal tow path to the city centre with infrastructure improvements including new shared crossings.
“Within our beautiful Royal Victoria Park, we’re planning a high-quality segregated cycle path creating a safe wheeling and cycling environment particularly for less confident cyclists of all ages and abilities, benefitting children and young people learning to cycle and those cycling to school or wheeling to the play area and skate park. Alongside improvements to the walking environment, all existing vehicular access will be retained.
“The feedback we’ve received is invaluable and will help shape a more inclusive and effective active travel network for Bath.”
Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up for project alerts to stay informed about the development timeline and upcoming milestones. The Council remains committed to engaging with the community as the project progresses.
For more information and to sign up for updates, please visit: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/bath-walking-wheeling-and-cycling-links-scheme
To stay informed on the latest transport developments across Bath & North East Somerset, including BWWCL, check out our interactive Transport Action Map: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/transport-action-map.
The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is responsible for distributing the UK Government’s CRSTS funds to viable schemes in the region. Its members, including the West of England Mayor and leaders from the Mayoral Combined Authority’s three constituent councils: Bath & North East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council.