Your comments...
Most experienced cyclists will not use it because they will ride on the road anyway.
Bikes use the roads even when there is a cycle path. It won’t be used by most people.
Many cyclists won’t feel safe using the Cycleway due to the large numbers of junctions and driveways and will continue to use the road.
Why is the cycleway needed, especially as there is some cycling provision already in place along this section and what is the justification of it?
Our response...
There is significant independent and impartial evidence that providing high quality cycle infrastructure increases the number of cyclists. We know that cycling in parts of Gloucestershire is in excess of the national average, particularly in Cheltenham, where good infrastructure exists. In addition, we are following government guidance to deliver better cycling and walking infrastructure found in Gear Change, the DfT vision for cycling and walking in England. This highlights that 2020 saw a 46% increase in cycling, evidencing the potential that exists for this mode of travel if low traffic routes and routes segregated from traffic are available.
Detailed analysis has shown that the B4063 route has the highest propensity to cycling of any route in the County and is the reason why it forms the first element of the wider cycle spine. Surveys will be undertaken to understand cycle usage following the scheme delivery with monitoring and evaluation to take place as a requirement of the funding.
We anticipate initial increases in cycling and further significant uptake in demand as further parts of the route are completed.
