Council adopts new guidance on active travel

CYCLISTS and walkers will be put at the heart of future road planning, in a new direction from Wokingham Borough Council.

It has approved plans to adopt the

Department for Transport’s Local Transport Note 1/20 and “radically increase active travel”.

It is a national cycling design guide that sets out minimum requirements for cycle lanes, junctions and crossings, construction and maintenance, and cycle parking.

Plans must be coherent, making it simple to use and follow, use the most direct routes, and be safe, comfortable and attractive.

The project is called Gear Change, and describes the government vision for cycling and walking.

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport said she welcomed the guidance from the government, and said Bader Way is an example of the requirements in action.

Phase one of the Bader Way project was to create a new path and cycle route linking east Woodley, Dinton Pastures and Loddon Bridge.

Plans are now in progress to extend it, linking to Winnersh Triangle business park and station.

This will include a signal crossing on the A3290 near Showcase cinema and a new replacement bridge with ramps.

Cllr Jorgensen said: “We are committed to putting the infrastructure in place that allows our residents to consider walking or cycling as an alternative to car travel when planning their journeys.”

The council is currently consulting on a range of projects to improve walking and cycling in the borough.

For more information visit the council website and search consultation