Construction work has started on the first new cycle route to be built as part of the Cycling City project in South Gloucestershire.
Route 12, (Eastern Link to UWE – Phase 1), connects Frenchay Hospital with the University of the West of England via Filton Road and will eventually extend to Downend and Staple Hill.
Improvements on the route involve upgrading and linking existing cycle facilities, including widening sections of footway to shared cycle / pedestrian use, installing advisory and mandatory cycle lanes in the carriageway and improving crossing facilities for cyclists and pedestrians. Further routes are planned to be built over the next two years.
The new route forms part of 18 in South Gloucestershire included in the Cycling City project. In 2008 South Gloucestershire Council, jointly with Bristol City Council, were chosen as Britain’s first Cycling City.
Councillor Brian Allinson, executive member for planning, transportation and strategic environment, said: “We have engaged closely with local communities on the detail of how to make this route safe and convenient. The new infrastructure that we will be putting in as part of this cycle route will link residents’ homes with where they work, go to school, shop and take part in leisure activities.
“We hope that once the work is completed, we will have enthused people, and helped them to discover how easy it is to take up cycling and the whole new way of life that cycling opens up to them. This will not only have both health and cost benefits for those that cycle, but motorists should also benefit from less traffic congestion and safer roads.”
For further information on the Cycling City project visit www.southglos.gov.uk/cycling, telephone 01454 863640 or email cycleforum@southglos.gov.uk.
Source: South Gloucestershire Council
