Safer cycle route or danger to park users?

A £500,000 plan to widen the existing paths in Victoria Park, add “intelligent” LED lighting and reinstate Victorian gateways has been met with mixed feelings by local residents.

Fans of the scheme say that it will enhance safety and create a new route into the city centre from south Bristol.

Those against are fearful that the larger path will be more like a road driven through the historic park, with the plans deemed unsuitable and unnecessarily expensive. 

The Victoria Park Action Group (VPAG) has been vocal in its disapproval of the plans, concerned that if the path is widened to almost five metres it will be out of character with the historic park and will “feel like a road rather than a path”.

They say that by removing the entrance barriers, it could bring back past problems with motorbikes and anti-social behaviour.

Members also believe the new lighting will offer little improvement as it will follow the park edge where street lights are already situated.

VPAG secretary Annie Hutton told Bristol24/7: “I’m pro-cycling and pro-walking, but I have really serious concerns for the proposed pathways in the park.

“Before the existing entrances were built, with narrow walkways, we had problems with motorbikes and young people driving in the park and being anti-social. Since, it has been much quieter and I am concerned that by making the entrances wider, this could bring anti-social behaviour back.

“The proposed width of the new path is very unnecessary, they should spend the money on resurfacing. The lighting is also not needed as being so close to the road they will be fairly well lit anyway.”

Bristol City Council cabinet member for transport, Mark Bradshaw, said: “Victoria Park is an important, well-used and much-loved space for the community and the wider area, which is why the council is keen to invest in improving access for people walking and cycling… enhancing safety, fixing recurrent flooding problems and making it easier to enter and leave the park.”

Bristol has been awarded funding by the Government up until 2018, to upgrade walking and cycling routes across the city through the Cycle Ambition fund programme. The link through the park is part of the Filwood quietway walking and cycling route, connecting Filwood Broadway and Hengrove to the city centre

On a visit to the park on Monday, local residents seemed split about the plans. 

“We’re not concerned as we won’t be paying for it,” said Mr and Mrs Atwood. “The extended pathways are away from where we work so we don’t think it’ll make a difference to our walks across the park. If anything, it will help keep cyclists and pedestrians separate.”

Millie from Elvaston Road, who works in HR, said: “I’m concerned that people on motorbikes might be prone to riding into the park, as anti-social behaviour has been a problem in the past.

“Also, how can the council afford it when they’ve been making so many cuts? Our full time park keeper Ray has now gone so I’m unsure who will maintain it. It seems pretty pointless to me. The park is fine as it is.”

Commenting on the online planning application, Sean Taylor of Hill Avenue wrote: “As a cycle commuter myself, I am fully in favour of improved cycling infrastructure for south Bristol. But I do not think the proposed track across Victoria Park is well designed or well routed.”

Jack Willow of Hill Street said: “This appears to be yet another example of misplaced priorities and ill conceived budget spending. The proposed cycle way can in no way be classed as necessary.”

Paul Finch of Raleigh Road was more forthright: “The proposed cycle way is TOTALLY unsuitable for this park. It is too wide and will have a detrimental effect on other users. The removal of the gates is ridiculous as this will re-encourage anti-social behaviour (motor bike use).”

Helen Roberts of Richmond Street said: “The proposal is far too invasive and will alter the character of this fine Victorian park enjoyed by neighbours and visitors alike. The need for lighting in the existing cycle-way is there but to excavate and scar the lovely park, destroying much undergrowth – part of the lungs of the city – is counter productive.”

Matt Valentine of Brigstocke Road added: “Lighting the paths in a smart way using sensors makes sense as it improves safety and enables us to save electricity. The widening of the paths enhances the park experience for all.”

On Monday, cycling charity Life Cycle UK spoke to BBC Radio Bristol about why they are supporting the plans for the park. Listen from 07.13 and 35.51 minutes.

You can register comments on the plans online until January 11

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