New cycle link opens

Release Date:  16-Jun-2009

Bristol's trailblazing Cycling City programme has delivered the first completed kilometre of a new off-road cycle route.

The section of the new Northern Link route, from St Werburghs to Muller Road, features a sensitive, solar powered ‘cats eye’ lighting scheme and a host of green features including fruit trees and a mini park.

The path has been narrowed to allow for greener verges and a better visual aesthetic. And 400 sq ft of new allotment space is part of the plan to make the path and its surroundings an integral part of the community.

When completed the Northern Link will connect Bristol's city centre to north Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

The project aims to create links through local communities, whilst at the same time connecting the major ‘out of town’ employers such as UWE, Ministry of Defence, and Hewlett Packard, substantially increasing cycle commuter trips.
 
Councillor Jon Rogers, Bristol City Council's Cabinet Member for Transport and Sustainablity, said: “I was particularly keen to see this path meet the needs of local people and I think Cycling City has got the balance right.

“Path width and lighting were seen as sensitive issues for some residents. So we looked at a way of making the path safe and useable but without the glaring nuisance lighting. The use of the green space is also very creative and we hope the community feel that the fits well with the local spirit.

“I’m pleased with the outcome, and officers tell me I can be a hard person to please!”
 
“The Northern Link is one of the largest projects we are undertaking in the city, we are hoping it will one day rival Bristol Bath Railway Path in terms of use. That means more than tarmac. It means getting the whole experience right."

• The opening of the first section of the new route was celebrate at the St Werburghs Community Fair on Saturday 13 June. Councillor Rogers and local MP Stephen Williams cut a ribbon to officially open the path and the event was followed by a procession with a samba troupe and pedal-powered sound system through the railway tunnel on Mina Road.

Author:  Kate Hartas

For all media enquiries relating to this press release, please contact Corporate Communications on 0117 922 2650.

To link to this page directly, use the URL
http://www.bristol.gov.uk/redirect?oid=PressRelease-id-30548001

Subscribe to our free email bulletin service and get the latest news and information about consultations and events happening in the city - www.bristol.gov.uk/newsdirect