Date published: 2024-10-17 | Category: Roads, travel and transport, Tackling the climate and ecological emergency
Bath & North East Somerset Council is inviting residents, businesses and visitors to share their views on the proposed Bath Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Links (BWWCL) scheme.
Comprising of four routes, BWWCL aims to improve active travel options across Bath, creating more than 6.2km of cycling routes through advisory lanes, dedicated spaces and quiet routes. It will also provide significant walking and wheeling improvements, such as upgraded crossings and more convenient and safer options.
The BWWCL scheme is part of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) programme, designed to connect key areas within Bath through a network of dedicated cycle lanes, advisory routes and improved pedestrian paths.
The four routes included in the scheme are:
Weston to Bath City Centre
Links to Royal United Hospital
Oldfield School to Newbridge Hill
City Centre to Kennet & Avon Canal
The project would increase Bath’s cycling network by more than 10%, provide walking and wheeling improvements and increase connectivity across Bath. It would see the removal of around 193 on-street car parking places being lost in total for dedicated cycling routes across the areas impacted.
The proposed routes would integrate with broader transport projects such as the Bath City Centre Sustainable Transport Corridor, the A4 Bath to Bristol Project, the Liveable Neighbourhoods programme and the National Cycle Network (NCN). Two of the routes were identified in the West of England Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) and the emerging Active Travel Masterplan.
BWWCL seeks to rebalance how road space is used across the city by prioritising active modes of transport to reduce congestion and improve air quality. The scheme will bring significant benefits to the community by making it easier for people to choose walking, wheeling, or cycling for their everyday journeys.
The council wants to gather feedback from the community on how these routes will affect residents and businesses. The scheme proposes changes to the allocation of road space, including a reduction in on-street car parking in some areas, and gathering feedback from the community is paramount to its delivery.
The public consultation opens on Thursday 16 October 2024 for six weeks, closing on Monday 2 December 2024, with drop-in events taking place in November across four locations.
Drop-in events will be held at the following locations:
Bath Spa University Locksbrook Campus – 4 November 2024 (3pm to 7pm)
Sydney Gardens Pavilion, Bath – 11 November 2024 (2pm to 5pm)
Brunswick Room, Guildhall, Bath – 12 & 13 November 2024 (3pm to 7pm)
Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy leader and cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel, said: “We are committed to making Bath a place where walking, wheeling and cycling are safe, accessible, and convenient for everyone.
"The Bath Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Links scheme is a key part of our ambition to create healthier, more connected communities, but it’s essential that we hear from the people who live and work here. Your views will help us ensure that we get the balance right and design routes that work for everyone.”
Liz Eyles, Director of Campus Life at Bath Spa University, said: “The Bath Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Links scheme is an important project that promises to improve movement across the city through sustainable and safe means. We continually look to improve student connection with the local areas and consider investment in this area vital for wellbeing and experience.”
The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is responsible for distributing the UK Government’s City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement (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.
You can find more information and take part in the consultation here.