Bath confirms active travel investment following public consultation

Two routes into Bath will benefit from improvements to cycling and walking provision, with work due to begin in summer 2022.  

A public consultation involving 500 residents and businesses has concluded with a green light given to major investment in active travel infrastructure in the English city of Bath. 

Specifically, the A4 Upper Bristol Road and A36 Beckford Road will see segregated cycle lanes created alongside enhancements for pedestrians in a bid to encourage more people to switch to carbon-neutral modes of transport, in turn improving the region’s air quality and their own health. 

Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) advertising detailing the proposed changes appeared in the area last December, with the public and other local stakeholders invited to comment. 57% of respondents supported or partially supported the A4 scheme, with 72% backing the A36 project. Issues of concern included the need for safe, convenient cycling routes, and – for those against the work – the loss of on-street parking and need for cycle lanes. The UK Government’s Active Travel Fund  will fund the two schemes, at a cost of £500,000.

‘While some respondents don’t see the need for designated cycle lanes, national research shows that one of the major barriers preventing more people from cycling is concern about safety. Providing cycles lanes will enable more people to get on their bikes and as we develop a larger improved cycle network across Bath and North East Somerset cycling will become more accessible to more people,’ said Cllr Sarah Warren, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Climate and Sustainable Travel. ‘Providing safer cycling facilities as part of Bath’s planned network of cycle routes and making improvements for pedestrians will help us to tackle the climate emergency while improving the health of our communities.’

In related news, Glasgow has confirmed it will built a city-wide active travel network.  

Image credit: Minh Tran