News / Bristol Cycling
Bristol’s 75-mile segregated cycle network nears completion
A campaign to get people on their bikes is being launched to celebrate nearing completion of a 75-mile segregated cycle network across Bristol.
New links to Southmead, Filwood and the Frome Valley are included on the total of 12 paths, which by early 2019 are expected to make up the map of routes designed with two wheels in mind.
The full network in and around Bristol stretches to 122 miles, 75 miles of which will have segregated lanes to separate cyclists from other traffic.
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Impressive as the figure sounds, riders still have to travel on roads on many of the routes, but councillors say the network follows quiet roads where possible to improve safety.
The aim of the Better By Bike campaign is to encourage more people to cycle and make it a more accessible option, particularly for communities that have been previously cut off from transport links.
Map of the full 12-route network that covers 122 miles in total
Since 2011, cycling trips in Bristol have continued to increase at around 10 per cent a year, according to council figures, but mayor Marvin Rees has acknowledged that improved infrastructure is needed to make this a safe and viable option for more people.
“The cycle network is fantastic because it makes Bristol more accessible for residents and people visiting,” said Chris Jackson, a Labour councillor for Filwood and cycling champion.
“I’m excited about the new Filwood route in particular, because transport links are not very good from there. I’m hoping it will encourage more people to travel by bike in the area and improve health.
“Cycling in the city is not easy, unless you are reasonably confident and we want to improve options, particularly for women, young people and the disabled.”
He added that it’s an exciting time for cycling in the city, but that more still needs to be done by businesses to provide facilities so that employees can cycle.
Mhairi Threlfall, cabinet member for transport at Bristol City Council, confirmed that some of the remaining schemes to be finished include the final link in Baldwin Street and Prince Street.
Other cycling improvements she promised are due to be completed by early next year include: over a third of a mile of new or improved on road cycle lanes, a mile and a half of segregated cycle lanes and nearly five and a half miles of new or improved shared cycle lanes.
There will also be more cycle stands and 14 new residential cycle hangars and 40 new or improved pedestrian and/or cyclist crossings.
The Bristol and Bath cycle path is included on the network
The new cycle planner is available on the Better By Bike website, where there is more information on Bikeability training sessions, bike loan schemes and all abilities cycle rides.
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