Berkshire cycle plan scrapped
A controversial proposal to turn part of a road at Woodley in Reading into a one-way system has been abandoned after complaints from local people
Wokingham Borough Council say they'll reconsider plans for a Woodley to Reading cycle link following feedback from residents.
Last month, the council asked residents for their views on a proposed cycle link intended to improve the cycling and walking connection between Woodley town centre and the Reading borough boundary at Palmer Park.
But they say "Early analysis of the feedback shows that overall the design was not popular, leading the council to go back to the drawing board and rethink the draft plan based on resident feedback."
Feedback on the proposed designs was strongly against converting Woodlands Avenue between Howth Drive and Lytham Road to a one-way street to allow for a two-way cycle lane, whereas feedback on reducing the speed limit to 20mph on Woodlands Avenue, Palmerston Road and Anderson Avenue was split.
Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways said:
“In 2021, residents told us they want to see segregated cycleways because these would make them feel safer to travel around the area on their bikes, with buggies, wheelchairs and on foot. Our highways design team came up with a proposal that would allow a segregated cycleway to fit on the existing roadway.
“There are always trade-offs when you are trying to retrofit existing roads, and in this case, residents clearly don’t support some of the trade-offs in this design.
“Residents gave us their views and we will listen. The design team will now look in detail at the feedback and revise the proposal. When they are ready with another option, we will go back to residents and get their views again.
“We need to find ways to make it easier to cycle, walk and wheel around our communities – not only is it better for our health, but it reduces congestion and is better for the environment. People aren’t going to get out of their cars until we give them a safe space to walk and cycle. That is what we are trying to do.”