It’s good news for local cyclists and pedestrians as £5.8 million has been secured by the West of England Combined Authority, led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris.
The cash will be invested to make it easier and safer to make the switch to travelling by bike or going on foot for shorter everyday journeys.
Plans include pedestrianising Cotham Hill, a permanent cycle lane for Park Row, and new separated cycle lanes and pedestrian crossings in Bristol’s Old Market. There will also be new cycle links in Kingswood town centre.
West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “Securing this cash is another vote of confidence in our region. If we want more people to leave their cars at home, the alternatives need to be convenient, safe and affordable. We have traffic jams to cut and ambitious net-zero targets to reach. This is another step along that path. Now we need to deliver.”
In addition to the Government’s Active Travel Fund, the West of England Combined Authority was successful in receiving a further £79,000 as part of the next stage of the new Mini-Holland Programme. This funding will be matched by the Combined Authority to allow the development of two feasibility studies for area-wide improvements to transform Yate and East Bristol into places where walking, cycling and public transport are prioritised, improving the streets for everyone.
Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council are tasked with delivering the walking and cycling improvements.
Councillor Don Alexander, Bristol City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We’re delighted to have received this funding, which will help us to improve key areas in the city for cyclists and pedestrians.
“These projects centre on making our roads better for all users as we work to make cycling and walking the best option for shorter journeys. It’s vital that we invest in active travel projects, to deliver our ambition to be net zero by 2030 and improve connectivity for people across Bristol.”
South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Environment and Strategic Infrastructure Cllr Steve Reade said: “We are working to ensure walking and cycling are attractive options for travel for all residents across South Gloucestershire and we welcome this additional government funding.
“The council has recently approved major plans for Kingswood that will bring improved experiences for shopping, culture, heritage and green spaces to the area. We want to make sure Kingswood is well connected to help people travel to and around the area to enjoy everything on offer now and in the future.
“We are serious about tackling the climate and nature emergencies and additional and improved walking and cycling routes will encourage more people to consider sustainable travel which will help reduce congestion on our roads and play a part in improving air quality.”
The funding comes from round three of the Government’s Active Travel Fund and adds to the £3.8m already secured by the West of England Combined Authority through earlier funding rounds.
It also builds on the £10m allocated from the Combined Authority to improve walking and cycling in the region, and £540m through its City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement.
The specific schemes to be funded by the extra £5,788,580 are:
Bristol:
- Cotham Hill: build on the current temporary road closures on Cotham Hill to provide a better walking and cycling environment and improve the public space.Park Row/Upper Maudlin: replace the temporary protected cycle lane with a permanent lane.
- Old Market Gap: improve an important east-west connection linking Old Market (and the Bristol and Bath Railway Path) with Castle Park and Baldwin Street (City Centre), including a protected cycle route and new crossings with signals.
South Gloucestershire
- Kingswood Town Centre Access: high-quality cycle links to connect to the Kingswood High Street pedestrianisation scheme and Wesley Way.
