First phase of Bristol's Cycling City programme promises new off-road routes

Release Date:  23-Oct-2008

Detailed proposals for the first phase of Bristol's ambitious Cycling City programme are unveiled today (October 23rd 2008) - as the city council and its partners prepare to step up through the gears to turn the south west's biggest city into one of the best places in Europe to be on a bike.

Plans for the first six to nine months of the programme include two new major 'off-road' commuter routes and a host of initiatives to make cycling in Bristol even more attractive.

The package of proposals is due to be considered by the city council's Cabinet when it meets on October 30th and will then be submitted to Cycling England for their approval.

Programme will build on Bristol's cycling success - and cut congestion

Councillor Mark Bradshaw, Bristol's Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development, said: Our city already has a tremendous range of facilities and routes for cycling and more people here bike it to work than in most other places. That's why we've been chosen as the UK's first official Cycling City.

" Our success in becoming the first Cycling City is something all residents should be able to share. It also brings with it the promise of £11 million of new money by the government to make Greater Bristol an even better and safer place to cycle, boosted by matching funds from the Bristol and South Gloucestershire Councils. This ambitious programme of early schemes will support wider efforts to cut congestion and pollution and make our roads and pavements safer.

" An essential part of this initiative is working with a range of environmental and cycling organisations who can help deliver many of the specific measures through the commissioning and procurement process.

" The city council is prepared to take some tough decisions, such as tackling safety concerns on Prince Street Bridge, to improve access for those who have made the welcome choice to travel more by walking, cycling or public transport."

The Cycling City programme will complement other investment to improve public transport - such as the new rapid transit routes, improved park and ride facilities and the extensive £68 million Greater Bristol Bus Network programme. The Cycling City scheme is an important part of that overall strategy to keep Bristol moving.

New and improved off road cycle and walking routes

One of the new 'off-road' routes proposed for the first phase of the Cycling City programme will link the city centre with Lockleaze in north Bristol, via a new path between Hopetown Road in St Werburgh's and Muller Road, Horfield. Work will start on site in November. In later phases, this new route could extend as far as Stoke Gifford in South Gloucestershire and this is a great example of our close working on transport with neighbouring councils, as is the prospect of a cycle link between Lockleaze and Abbey Wood Station.

The other new 'off road' route planned in phase 1 will enable cyclists to travel into the city centre from south Bristol via Hartcliffe Way and an improved Malago Greenway - and will provide access to a number of key regeneration sites, including Hengrove Park.

Later phases of the programme will also create a new 'off road' commuter route connecting Whitchurch Village in south Bristol to the city centre via Whitchurch Park, Stockwood, Hengrove and Brislington, by improving and linking up existing paths.

Improved route at Prince Street Bridge

The first phase of Cycling City work also proposes to deliver an improved route for cyclists and pedestrians alike across the city's Prince Street bridge.

This narrow swing bridge over the historic Floating Harbour has a slim pavement on each side only and poses a danger for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists as they compete for limited road space.

The Cycling City proposal will see the introduction of more space for cyclists and pedestrians on one side, with traffic lights controlling alternative one way working for motorists on the other  - carefully managed to keep traffic moving smoothly during peak hours.

Some inaccurate and misleading reports in local media have wrongly suggested that the changes will ban motorists completely from the bridge. This is not the case - and road access via Prince Street Bridge will continue to be available in both directions.

New signs, training and advice will help cyclists

Initial improvements also likely to be delivered through the programme will include new direction and information signs for the popular Bristol to Bath 'Railway' Path through eastern and central Bristol - with further improvements to signs for cycle routes across the city in later phases.

In addition, the early phase of the Cycling City programme will start to deliver a massive programme of new education, information and training to help people take up or return to cycling. This would include a range of community events promoting cycling and work specifically with disadvantaged communities to help them overcome any barriers to cycling. A new team of specialists could be brought in to work with children in over 20 schools to encourage them to cycle to school. A strong theme will be about encouraging safe and responsible cycling behaviour.

Consultation with residents will also begin to consider the possibility of two pilot schemes that will see 20mph speed limit signs installed in some residential areas, where this can help improve road safety and encourage more people to take up cycling and walking. No main roads would be included in any such schemes. The idea is based on a successful project in Portsmouth where similar improvements in residential areas were welcomed by residents.

Programme offers exciting opportunities to city, says Cabinet Member.

Councillor Bradshaw added: Our immediate target is to double the number of people cycling every day from 20,000 to 40,000 by 2011. That means we need to encourage between 100,000 and 150,000 more people to take up or rediscover cycling over the next two years. We will start setting out a 10 year vision to encourage people across Bristol and the city region to see cycling as an everyday activity they can enjoy and benefit from. To do that will require new off-road routes and other safety measures to help people become more confident about cycling - plus the information and training they need to help them along the way. This first phase package of improvements promises a great start and I'm really excited about the opportunities it offers to our City."

Author:  Simon Caplan

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