New consultation launched on two more active travel schemes in Bath

Two proposed new cycle and walking schemes connecting schools and the University of Bath to residential areas and improving links between the Bath Quays development and the rest of the city, are the subject of a public consultation launched yesterday (12 July). 

Bath & North East Somerset Council is inviting residents to have their say on the proposed schemes, which aim to improve walking and cycling routes in Bath and encourage more active ways of travelling.

The Scholars’ Way scheme proposes the introduction of cycle routes connecting residential areas to educational establishments across the south of Bath. The first section aims to provide a cycle route between Claverton Down, Combe Down and Odd Down and includes:

• Upgrading the existing shared path between Quarry Farm and Claverton Down Road via Rainbow Wood to a hard surface, to improve conditions for cycles and pedestrians. In the next phase, the council is looking at options to provide a direct cycle route to Ralph Allen School, giving more pupils the opportunity to cycle to and from school.

• Upgrading the existing zebra crossing on Claverton Down Road (east of Shaft Road) to a parallel crossing for pedestrians and cycles.

• A new zebra crossing on Claverton Down Road, adjacent to Ralph Allen School.

• An in-carriageway cycle route on Church Road and Combe Road, Combe Down, with painted cycle markings.A new cycle and pedestrian route from Combe Road to St Martins Garden Primary School, via Mulberry Park, including off-road sections and improved pedestrian and cycle crossings.

Last year, the council consulted on improvements to pedestrian and cycle facilities at Copseland, Claverton Down. In June 2021 the council’s cabinet agreed to progress a new parallel crossing for pedestrians and cycles at the Copseland/Oakley junction and improvements to the footway and an informal crossing at the Copseland/Widcombe Hill junction. These schemes will form part of the improved route for pedestrians and cycles between Claverton Down and Combe Down.

The Bath Quays Links scheme will integrate the new bridge at the Bath Quays development into the existing cycling and walking networks to increase opportunities for active travel. The bridge, which is due to open by the end of 2022, connects Bath Quays North to Bath Quays South and will improve connectivity for active travel between the riverside, Bath city centre and the Oldfield Park area. The proposed improvements include:

• New cycle lanes separated from pedestrian and motor traffic on the A367 Green Park Road between the Midland Bridge Road and the bridge at the Bath Quays development 

• New and improved crossings for cyclists and pedestrians on the A367 Green Park Road 

• New cycle lanes on the A36 Lower Bristol Road between Westmoreland Road and Oak Street

• Two new traffic signal controlled (toucan) crossings on Lower Bristol Road, for pedestrians and cycles

• Widening of the northern footway on Lower Bristol Road between Oak Street and the Churchill Bridge gyratory to a minimum of 1.6m

Read more about the proposals and respond to the consultation at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/active-travel-schemes. The consultation runs until 12pm on 8 August 2022. 

Councillor Sarah Warren, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Climate and Sustainable Travel, said: “Active travel schemes are about making walking and cycling for short journeys safer and more pleasant, whilst cutting emissions and protecting people’s health. We are committed to providing a realistic alternative to travelling by vehicle in and around the city, in particular, giving our young people the opportunity to travel to school independently. These two schemes are a next step in making this a reality."

“Safe and accessible infrastructure allows people to make travel choices that are emissions free and help tackle the climate emergency, but these routes have to be practical for people to use in their everyday lives. That’s why it’s important for communities to help shape the designs, so please have your say in our consultation.”

The council is also running three drop-in sessions for anyone who would like to discuss the proposals in more detail with a member of the project team. They will be held on:

• 15 July at The Hub (Two Tunnels Room), Mulberry Park, Bath from 4pm to 7pm

• 19 July at The Guildhall (Aix-en-Provence Room), Bath from 12pm to 2pm and 4pm to 7pm

If you don't have internet access, you can request printed copies of the consultation and survey, to request this or other formats please email active_travel@bathnes.gov.uk or call +44 (0)1225 39 40 41.

Both schemes have been identified as priority projects by the council and West of England Combined Authority. If the council receives enough positive feedback following this consultation, it will progress the schemes and seek funding from the Combined Authority.

The council has commissioned a citizens' panel to make recommendations to cabinet members on principles to consider when identifying, designing, and consulting on active and sustainable travel schemes around Bath and North East Somerset, and specifically between Bath’s valley floor and the Claverton Down area, with its university and other employment and education sites.