Background

The Standish Multiuser path (MUP) forms a part of the Gloucestershire Cycle Spine. Gloucestershire Cycle Spine is an ambitious project to create a 26-mile cycling and walking corridor across the county. Once completed, it will be the longest new facility of its type in the country. 

The cycle spine will provide a continuous link between Stroud in the south and Bishop's Cleeve in the north, incorporating both Gloucester and Cheltenham. It will contribute to a significant cycling and walking network across Gloucestershire, improving the quality and connectivity of cycle and walking facilities delivered to date.  

What makes the Standish MUP distinctive is that it has been designed to accommodate horse riders as well as pedestrians and cyclists, helping to improve connectivity for a wider range of users and creating an inclusive route that supports both everyday journeys and recreational travel. 

The proposed multiuser path extends over approximately 500 metres and accommodates pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders. It will link Horsemarling roundabout in Stonehouse to Black Bridge on the B4008 towards Standish. The Standish MUP will eventually tie into future sections of the cycle spine either side of the scheme with pathways heading North towards Haresfield and Gloucester and South into Stroud 

The scheme consists of the following sections:

·         Initial 100 metres: a combined path for pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders.

·         Middle section (300 metres): features a separate bridleway and a shared-use path.​

·         Last 100 metres: a combined facility for all three user groups. 

The inclusion of a dedicated bridleway section makes the Standish MUP a particularly valuable addition to the network, improving access and connectivity for horse riders while delivering a safe, attractive and accessible route for all users.​

Gloucestershire Cycle Spine Map 

Below shows the latest map of the Gloucestershire Cycle Spine and how the Standish MUP forms a key part of it.