Work on the latest stretch of Gloucestershire’s cycle spine has been put on hold. The county council says there will be no work on the £48m scheme in south Gloucester until the route has been properly reviewed.
The decision follows concern from people who live and work near the proposed route. More than 350 people have signed a petition calling on the council to reconsider the plans and work with residents.
What the scheme covers
The cycle spine is a 26-mile route linking Stroud with Bishop’s Cleeve through Gloucester and Cheltenham. The council says it is designed to cut carbon emissions and encourage walking and cycling. The stretch in dispute would run from St Ann Way to Cole Avenue, through Linden, Podsmead and Tuffley.
Residents’ concerns
- Fewer on-street parking spaces in an area that is already busy.
- Longer delays and more congestion on narrow streets.
- Safety for children and for people walking and cycling near the route.
- Some densely populated roads could be turned into one-way routes under the consultation plans.
Dozens of residents attended a public meeting in October. It was organised by Gloucester’s MP, Alex McIntyre, who said his inbox had been full of complaints about the plans and that residents were not opposed to investment in cycling.
What the review will look at
Councillor Roger Whyborn, the cabinet member for sustainable transport and road safety, said the council would look again at the parking issues. He said alternative routes and designs would be considered, along with a survey of parking demand at different times of the day.
The money for the scheme comes from central government and must be spent on active travel. Mr McIntyre has agreed to lobby government to make that funding more flexible.
Have your say
The county council’s Have Your Say page for the Gloucestershire cycle spine is at haveyoursaygloucestershire.uk.engagementhq.com/gloucestershire-cycle-spine. It is the place to read the proposals and send feedback on the route.
