Walking and cycling routes in Bath could see major improvements
The Council has put forward a bid for £890,000 in Government funding
The 1.5km walking and cycling route between Combe Down and the University of Bath could see major improvements.
Bath & North East Somerset Council has put forward a new bid for £890,000 in Government funding which is set for a decision this autumn.
The Council is proposing to create better facilities for pedestrians and cycles along the existing shared-use path through Rainbow Wood and Claverton Down.
The changes would be part of the Council's active travel strategy, which promotes safer, healthier and more convenient ways to travel for short journeys on foot or by bike.
The plans include improved road crossing facilities at three points with two new parallel crossings. These are similar to zebra crossings, but with a separate cycle crossing adjacent and parallel to the pedestrian part of the crossing.
The new crossing facilities would also improve safety for all users and give both pedestrians and cycles priority over motor vehicles.
The areas that could see improvements
The existing zebra crossing on North Road, near Shaft Road, would be converted to a parallel pedestrian and cycle crossing.
Moreover, both junctions at either end of Copseland would allow pedestrians and cycles to cross safely between Quarry Farm Lane and the University of Bath.
Designs for these junctions are underway and are likely to include pavement widening and a parallel pedestrian and cycle crossing at the Copseland/Oakley junction.
The existing 1.3km shared-use path through Rainbow Wood and Claverton Down would also be upgraded with a hard surface.
Councillor Manda Rigby, Cabinet member for Transport, said: "The Combe Down to University of Bath scheme is part of our vision to create safe, continuous walking and cycling routes throughout Bath and North East Somerset.
"We want to make it easier for cyclists and pedestrians to safely navigate across the busy roads that cross Copseland, creating a quiet, low traffic route that links with the wider cycle network."
Previous and ongoing active travel schemes
In June the council’s cabinet agreed to proceed to the Traffic Regulation Order stage for three active travel schemes:
- A4 Upper Bristol Road
- A36 Beckford Road
- and, this scheme from Combe Down to University of Bath
Government funding for the first two schemes has already been secured and the North Road scheme will now be the subject of a Citizens’ Jury or another form of deep public engagement.
The Council is also looking at options to provide a direct cycle route to Ralph Allen School, giving more pupils the opportunity to cycle to and from school.