A proposal to allow people on bicycles to legally use a footpath between Powlett Road and Bathwick Street, Bath is being proposed by Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Despite being used by bicycles for many years, it has never been legal for them to be used on this route. To resolve this situation a Cycle Track Order is being put forward for public consultation.
The Order would pave the way for the Council to make the footpath as safe as possible for all users by implementing lining and signs to make people aware it is a cycle/ pedestrian route and instruct cyclists to give way at each end of the route.
Councillor Roger Symonds, (Lib-Dem, Combe Down), Cabinet Member for Transport, said, “Making the network as safe as possible for sustainable transport use for people on bicycles and pedestrians is important if Bath & North East Somerset Council is to encourage people not to use the private car for their journey. In the case of Powlett Road, the Council is legalising a situation which has existed for many years with a view to making safety improvements that will benefit all users of the path.
“I have met residents and local Councillors on site. The path is simply a route for local residents to get to and from the Bathwick Estate by foot and by bicycle. The path is straight, so visibility is not an issue. I believe that there is no reason why local people walking and cycling should not share this path. As long as people on bikes and on foot show consideration for one another and treat each other as equals this should work very well.”
Informal consultation on the proposed Cycle Track Order is currently being carried out and closes 16th December 2011. Residents who live near the path have been written to requesting any comments before a formal legal order is made.
For more information contact the Council’s Transportation Service on 01225 394406 or email [email protected].
