News / cycling
Almost £6m to be spent improving cycling infrastructure in Bristol
A trio of roads across Bristol will see new cycle lanes, segregated cycle lanes and pedestrian crossings built thanks to almost £6m of government funding.
The money has been secured by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) from round three of the government’s Active Travel Fund.
Plans include a permanent cycle lane for Park Row, improving the pedestrianisation scheme already in place on Cotham Hill, and new segregated cycle lanes and pedestrian crossings in Old Market.
is needed now More than ever
WECA was also successful in receiving a further £79,000 as part of the ‘Mini-Hollands Programme’, with this funding matched by the combined authority to allow the development of two feasibility studies to improve walking, cycling and public transport in east Bristol.
West of England metro mayor Dan Norris said that “securing this cash is another vote of confidence in our region”.
Norris said: “If we want more people to leave their cars at home, the alternatives need to be convenient, safe and affordable.
“We have traffic jams to cut and ambitious net-zero targets to reach. This is another step along that path. Now we need to deliver.”
Park Row’s temporary cycle lane will be made permanent – photo: Martin Booth
The money in Bristol will be spent on (with quotes from WECA):
- Cotham Hill: “build on the current temporary road closures on Cotham Hill to provide a better walking and cycling environment and improve the public space”
- Park Row and Upper Maudlin Street: “replace the temporary protected cycle lane with a permanent lane”
- ‘Old Market Gap’: “improve an important east-west connection linking Old Market (and the Bristol & Bath Railway Path) with Castle Park and Baldwin Street, including a protected cycle route and new crossings with signals”
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Read more: ‘The main barrier to seeing more everyday cyclists in Bristol is safety’
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Don Alexander, Bristol City Council’s cabinet member for transport, added: “We’re delighted to have received this funding, which will help us to improve key areas in the city for cyclists and pedestrians.
“These projects centre on making our roads better for all users as we work to make cycling and walking the best option for shorter journeys.
“It’s vital that we invest in active travel projects, to deliver our ambition to be net zero by 2030 and improve connectivity for people across Bristol.”
Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council will be tasked with delivering the walking and cycling improvements, with South Glos due to spend the money in Kingswood town centre, building cycle links to connect to the Kingswood High Street pedestrianisation scheme and Wesley Way.
New cycle links will be created in Kingswood town centre – image: WECA
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read more: Is Bristol a cycle-friendly city?
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