The region is about to witness a substantial leap forward in its cycling, walking, and wheeling initiatives, thanks to a fresh influx of £3.5 million. This allocation of funds has been earmarked for enhancing the region’s active travel infrastructure. Some key proposed investments include:
- £1.3 million for cycle training and maintenance, grants, and bike loan schemes.
- £710,000 to develop plans for a new walking and cycling structure at Temple Island/Bath Bridges in Bristol.
- £600,000 to modify arrangements on Prince Street Bridge in Bristol, with a focus on providing more space for pedestrians and cyclists.
- £250,000 for six new Schools Streets, making pick-up and drop-off times safer for parents, carers, and children.
- £230,000 to fund 21 new cycle hangars, offering secure cycle storage for an additional 126 bikes.
- £100,000 to design improved walking and cycling routes, including crossings and wider footways.
- £100,000 to design better walking routes in Twerton, including on the high street and to the infant school and the RUH.
- £50,000 to design better cycling routes, including lighting, between Bristol Parkway and the Bristol & Bath Science Park.
- £50,000 to design improved walking routes, including crossings and wider footways, between Staple Hill and Kingswood.
These investments build on the region’s existing active travel initiatives, including projects in Park Row, Upper Bristol Road, and Kingswood Town Centre, which are currently underway and developed in collaboration with local communities. The new Mayor, Helen Godwin, has pledged to establish a national network for walking, wheeling, and cycling that will facilitate millions of joyful, healthy, and eco-friendly journeys. Alongside England’s other mayors, there are plans to enhance the region’s transport system, which has been bolstered by unprecedented government funding for transport in the region. Some notable quotes from key stakeholders include:
Helen Godwin, the newly elected Mayor of the West of England, stated: “Walking, cycling, and wheeling are an important part of how people get around, with real health benefits. School Streets are something I backed as a councillor and continue to support as the new Mayor, working with council leaders and learning from England’s other Mayors too. “Active travel is greener, cutting pollution, which people in the West Country really care about – and the better buses, more trains, and mass transit unlocked by unprecedented government funding for transport in our part of the world which will also be better for our planet. “Getting the basics right now will lay the foundations for a better transport system overall for the West of England. We secured £752 million for that next stage in the recent Spending Review. That means that the West can get out of the slow lane on transport and start to catch up with other city-regions.”
Councillor Sarah Warren, the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Bath and North East Somerset, added: “With nearly £600,000 secured for Bath & North East Somerset through the Consolidated Active Travel Fund, we’re investing in high-quality walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure, alongside behaviour change programmes that make active travel a real choice for more people. “Bath & North East Somerset Council has been working hard to improve travel choices by creating an active travel network for everybody. These projects, alongside developing future active travel schemes, will help us improve air quality, reduce congestion, get more children walking, wheeling and cycling to school, and provide greater connectivity. With our bicycle hangars in Bath almost at capacity, and fantastic behavioural change results through our Bikeability sessions, the demand for sustainable transport is there. This fund supports our objective in improving travel choices for all.”
Councillor Tony Dyer, the Leader of Bristol City Council, stated: “In partnership with the Mayoral Combined Authority, we are working on plans to invest almost £5 million of Active Travel Funding into a range of projects across the city. “These projects include adding to our network of segregated cycleways and improving walking routes, increasing the number of School Streets in Bristol, ramping up our programme to encourage more people to try out sustainable forms of transport, and increasing the number of cycle hangars that provide secure cycle storage for our residents. “By making walking, wheeling and cycling easier, safer and more attractive, we can boost health and fitness while helping to reduce congestion and improve local air quality.”
South Gloucestershire Council’s Leader, Councillor Maggie Tyrrell, and Co-leader, Councillor Ian Boulton, stated: “This investment furthers our commitment to enhancing active travel options, including walking, cycling, and wheeling. These investments are a testament to our efforts to promote healthier and more inclusive ways to travel. “Our investments will focus on improving existing cycle routes on the A4174 ring road, school street schemes and developing preliminary designs to remove pinch points, prevent footway parking, widen footways, and improve crossing points between Staple Hill and Kingswood. Staple Hill and Kingswood are key local centres for our community. By focusing on people-centred travel, we aim to create a healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable environment, making enhancements to the bustling high streets.”
Table: Proposed Active Travel Investments
| Investment Amount (£) | Description |
|---|---|
| £1.3 million | Cycle training and maintenance, grants, and bike loan schemes |
| £710,000 | New walking and cycling structure at Temple Island/Bath Bridges |
| £600,000 | Modifying arrangements on Prince Street Bridge for pedestrians and cyclists |
| £250,000 | Six new Schools Streets for safer pick-up and drop-off times |
| £230,000 | 21 new cycle hangars for secure cycle storage |
| £100,000 | Improved walking and cycling routes, including crossings and wider footways |
| £100,000 | Better walking routes in Twerton |
| £50,000 | Better cycling routes, including lighting, between Bristol Parkway and the Bristol & Bath Science Park |
| £50,000 | Improved walking routes, including crossings and wider footways, between Staple Hill and Kingswood |
While these investments will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the region’s active travel infrastructure, it is essential to acknowledge the efforts of previous initiatives, which have contributed to the current state of active travel in the West of England. These efforts have created a strong foundation for the future growth of sustainable transport in the region. In conclusion, the West of England’s commitment to active travel infrastructure is a testament to the region’s dedication to promoting healthier and more inclusive ways to travel. By investing in initiatives such as cycle training, bike loan schemes, and improved walking and cycling routes, the region is poised to enhance the quality of life for its citizens and reduce its carbon footprint. As the region continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to prioritize active travel infrastructure to ensure that the benefits of sustainable transport are accessible to all.