Background

At its peak, cycling in Gloucestershire increased by 190 per cent during the Coronavirus lockdown. Urgent investment in Gloucestershire’s Cycle network is therefore needed to capitalise on and lock in these changes in travel behaviours and the resulting benefits. Gloucestershire’s EATF Tranche 2 bid includes a substantial, transformative scheme of exceptional strategic significance for Gloucestershire, linking its two central urban areas, as well as a number of smaller schemes that capitalise on local opportunities to benefit cyclists and pedestrians in order to make a considerable contribution to the economic recovery and post-lockdown reopening.

Covid-19 policies for social distancing on public transport have already led to increased single-occupancy car trips, congestion and carbon emissions. Encouraging people to switch to cycling will be vitally important to harness the benefits of improved air quality around the county, as well as helping people to stay apart and stay safe. The bid has focused on schemes that support the re-opening of schools, or the local economy (e.g. for tourism) through improved environments for pedestrians and cyclists. In the short term, this will aid Gloucestershire’s Covid-19 recovery. In the long term it will provide access to education and economic growth while delivering significant health, environmental and congestion benefits.