Council awarded funding for ‘missing cycle link’ in Reading
READING Borough Council is set to receive more than £1million to fund a ‘missing link’ in the towns cycle network.
The funding will be used for improvements stretching from Berkeley Avenue, along the Bath Road to Castle Hill, then running over the IDR to Castle Street.
These improvements will include the Bath Road/Castle Hill roundabout across the IDR junction and into and out of the town centre, alongside enhancement to facilities for pedestrians.
The £1.3 million has been awarded by the Department for Transport (DfT) as part of the national Active Travel Fund scheme.
Cllr Tony Page, lead councillor for strategic environment, planning and transport, said: “I’m delighted that by displaying ambition and vision for Active Travel in Reading the government has responded by awarding us increased funding to deliver another one of our key cycling schemes.
“Following our public consultation in 2021, 60.1% supported or strongly supported the proposed mostly segregated cycle lanes from Southcote
Road to the IDR.
“The Bath Road/Castle Hill scheme very much delivers a key ‘missing link’ which would allow cyclists to travel more safely to and from the town Centre and across the busy IDR.”
As part of the DfT funding conditions, councils are now required to create completely segregated cycle lanes.
This is to encourage less confident cyclists to switch to their bikes more frequently.
Cllr Page said: “It has never been more important to promote realistic alternatives to the private car, so as to tackle congestion and improve air quality for the residents and local communities who live on these key routes.
“This excellent news comes in the wake of our work to implement cycling and walking improvements along the Shinfield Road, from Christchurch Green to Whitley Wood Road.”
In November 2020, the council received £1.179m from the DfT for further investment in sustainable travel options for Reading, as part of “Tranche 2” of the national Active Travel Fund.
The investment aims to improve cycling, walking and public transport in the area, including safe, dedicated cycle lanes, new crossings and wider footpaths.
With the latest announcement of “Tranche 3”, the total funding is nearly £2.5 million.
Proposals for the Bath Road/ Castle Hill concept are still at the design phase.
The council is hoping to launch a more focused public consultation this summer.