Norway might have solution to hill issue

I support the Active Travel plans proposed by BANES. They are a start but will not go far towards meeting the target set by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps for a huge increase in cycling and walking journeys in towns and cities.

In particular the plans do not offer practical solutions to the problem of cycling up Bath’s hills.

This is a particular problem in the city of Bath and we have to find solutions to it.

The North Road route is only one of several routes that cyclists need to use from the city centre to the southern plateau.

This route is manageable only by a few cyclists and the scheme as presented will not result in the needed massive increase in cycling within Bath that the target sets.

Solutions to this problem might include for example, free or very cheap rental of electric bikes along the lines of the present electrically powered scooter scheme.

There is also a well tried system of uphill bike assistance which is the Trondheim (Trampe) Bicycle Lift. Details of this cycle assistance system are on the internet and worth checking out.

A system like this laid on the side of North Road could be transformative in attracting cyclists while at the same time interfering little with other road users.

At the same time as sorting out North Road the Council should be considering similar support for cyclists needing to reach the western side of the southern plateau, Odd Down and Combe Down.

For this a Trondheim lift could be laid alongside Holloway then up the Wellsway as far as the gate into Entry Hill golf course, through the golf course on to Entry Hill and up to Hawthorne Grove.

From there cyclists can (almost) free wheel all the way along through Mulberry Park to Prior Park, Combe Down Village, the Bath Clinic, Ralph Allen School and on to Wessex Water.

And also connect with the existing track though Rainbow Woods as an alternative route to the University.

The key to both these schemes, and others needed for the north side of the city, is to introduce practical solutions which can support cyclists on the uphill sections.

Cycling improvement schemes such as these are massively important and needed urgently. Tim Kingham Bath

There is a debate raging about the plans for Active Travel routes, especially the one proposed for North Road.

As a long-standing resident of Widcombe Hill and someone actively involved in the Widcombe community I felt I could not stay silent in the face of the misinformation about the council proposals.

The council’s consultation itself is woefully short of any real evidence to support the proposals or to justify this is a good way to spend precious public money.

The consultation seems skewed to a pre-determined solution.

I would like to correct the misinformation from high-profile scheme promoter Adam Reynolds, chair of Walk Ride Bath.

Let me start by agreeing with some of Adam’s views. Something has to change. Promoting cycling and walking is a good thing for our health and our environment.

But not everyone can cycle or walk in hilly Bath and not all journeys can be by cycle or foot.

Where I can’t agree with Adam is bending the facts to suit the proposed route.

I would like to set the record straight on why Widcombe Hill should be considered as a viable option.

“Widcombe Hill’ is too steep and won’t be used”.

Yes, Widcombe Hill is steeper but this is not the only factor. Evidence collected by a local resident shows more walkers and cyclists use Widcombe Hill than North Road and Bathwick Hill combined.

This is not a surprise as most students and many staff live in Widcombe, Bear Flat and Oldfield Park.

It is also the best route from the train and bus stations. The difference in time and distance from Bath Spa station to the university is stark; 1.3 miles and 28 mins on foot via Widcombe Hill but nearly double the distance via North Road at 2.1 miles and 47 minutes.

It is clear to me that people from the centre, south and west of the city will not make the long detour via North Road but will continue to use Widcombe Hill as the most desirable route even after North Road is implemented.

“Widcombe Hill has the largest number of side roads”.

This is incorrect. Looking at a simple map there are 9 street junctions on the Beckford/north Rd route. There are only 7 on the Widcombe Hill route.

All the side streets on Widcombe Hill are small residential streets, whereas on the proposed route there are 2 major junctions on the A36.

On North Road there are 3 significant destinations requiring vehicle access, the school, golf club and the university at Quarry Road. On Widcombe Hill there are none.

“A bus gate on Widcombe Hill would lead to a substantial loss of residents’ parking”.

This is also untrue. The most likely place for a bus gate on Widcombe Hill, if needed, would be above Macauley Buildings.

There are no parking spaces on this section of the hill. Alternatively, between Prospect Road and Tyning End none of the parking spaces is resident permits.

They are used by commuters or local walkers. The comment can only be aimed at raising false concerns with residents.

There are long standing issues with Widcombe Hill which could be solved as part of an Active Travel scheme.

Residents are concerned about vehicle speed, volumes of traffic and cyclist and pedestrian safety.

There is a willingness to consider measures to address these. Widcombe Hill has also been identified as a potential Liveable Neighbourhood.

Even if North Road goes ahead, action by the council will still be required and funding will have to be found.

Finally, Adam suggests that we should just get on and try it. Don’t worry about any evidence. It’s only temporary and can be reversed.

I cannot agree with this notion. The cost of this scheme, temporary or permanent, is significant and it is important to secure the maximum value from the expenditure.

Widcombe Hill was put forward to the council as a compelling alternative several months ago and I believe that it should be considered seriously.

There is still time to get this right, just.

Jeremy Boss Widcombe Hill resident