Work has begun to widen the path along the northern footway of the A4 dual carriageway, for the use of pedestrians and cyclists heading into Bath.
The route is on the north side of the A4 Bristol Road between the Globe roundabout and the junction of the A4 Bristol Road / A36 Lower Bristol Road. The project will take approximately 3-4 weeks.
This is one of a number of schemes by the Council to provide improved cycle routes between Bath centre and Bath Spa University, with the cycle/pedestrian route between the A4 and the entrance of the university currently under construction.
Councillor Roger Symonds (Lib-Dem, Combe Down), Cabinet Member for Transport, said, “We want to provide the opportunity for more people to cycle quickly, safely and conveniently between the University and city centre. This project will particularly benefit cycling students. Bath & North East Somerset Council wants to create the right environment for people to cycle to get around, rather than use the private car.”
Carolyn Puddicombe, Director of Estates at Bath Spa University, added, “We are very pleased that this essential work on improving cycle routes will benefit our staff and students who regularly cycle to campus, as well as the wider community. We actively encourage staff and students to cycle and we hope that when these improvement works are complete, a greater number of our staff and students will choose to do so.”
The Council is also considering investing £500,000 in cycle routes as part of its budget for 2013/14 to help boost cycling numbers in the area.
Councillor Nigel Roberts (Lib-Dem, Odd Down), Council Member Champion for Cycling, added, “Cycling is a great way to not only travel to work or college, but also keep active, fit and healthy. It is important that the Council provides the infrastructure to support people to cycle and this project is fits in with that aim.”
The work is funded through the Local Sustainable Transport Fund and being delivered by the West of England Partnership and involves several local Councils, including Bath & North East Somerset, working with the Department for Transport.
