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FAQs

We are following government guidance to deliver better cycling and walking infrastructure found in Gear Change, the Department for Transport (DfT) vision for cycling and walking in England. This highlights that 2020 saw an increase in cycling, evidencing the potential that exists for this mode of travel if low traffic routes and routes segregated from traffic are available. ​

 

Additionally, survey data from Arle Court in Cheltenham at the off-road cycle track showed 61% increase in cyclists compared to the pre-Covid data.

 

The new multiuser path will be suitable for all users. It follows the flattest route available between Stroud and Gloucester along the B4008. Furthermore, it will provide new, off-road, connectivity for many horse riders in the area between Horsemarling roundabout and Black bridge. The route will be separated from traffic to further attract those who would previously not have considered cycling or horse-riding and did not feel confident to proceed along the road. ​


 

Pre- Covid data (scheme baseline prior to works)

Sept/Oct 2022

Sept/Oct 2023

May 2024

Average daily cycle flows

223

272

360

% increase on daily cycle flows compared to pre-Covid levels

 

+22%

+61%

We are following government guidance to deliver better cycling and walking infrastructure found in Gear Change, the Department for Transport (DfT) vision for cycling and walking in England. This highlights that 2020 saw an increase in cycling, evidencing the potential that exists for this mode of travel if low traffic routes and routes segregated from traffic are available. ​

 

Additionally, survey data from Arle Court in Cheltenham at the off-road cycle track showed 61% increase in cyclists compared to the pre-Covid data.

 

The new multiuser path will be suitable for all users. It follows the flattest route available between Stroud and Gloucester along the B4008. Furthermore, it will provide new, off-road, connectivity for many horse riders in the area between Horsemarling roundabout and Black bridge. The route will be separated from traffic to further attract those who would previously not have considered cycling or horse-riding and did not feel confident to proceed along the road. ​


 

Pre- Covid data (scheme baseline prior to works)

Sept/Oct 2022

Sept/Oct 2023

May 2024

Average daily cycle flows

223

272

360

% increase on daily cycle flows compared to pre-Covid levels

 

+22%

+61%

The majority of the B4008 kerb lines remain as existing, apart from the northbound exit lane width at the Horsemarling roundabout. The proposal is to narrow the lane to 3.5 meters to accommodate new proposed multiuser path. The proposed exit lane width follows the design standards and will allow for safe traffic flow for all vehicles, including HGVs, buses and emergency service vehicles. ​

​

For the section along the carriageway, a buffer zone of 0.5 meters width is proposed between the carriageway and the multiuser path for the initial 100 meters. In the last 100 meters, the buffer width varies. However a minimum width of 0.5 meters will always be achieved.

The majority of the B4008 kerb lines remain as existing, apart from the northbound exit lane width at the Horsemarling roundabout. The proposal is to narrow the lane to 3.5 meters to accommodate new proposed multiuser path. The proposed exit lane width follows the design standards and will allow for safe traffic flow for all vehicles, including HGVs, buses and emergency service vehicles. ​

​

For the section along the carriageway, a buffer zone of 0.5 meters width is proposed between the carriageway and the multiuser path for the initial 100 meters. In the last 100 meters, the buffer width varies. However a minimum width of 0.5 meters will always be achieved.

The existing B4008 is illuminated for a distance of 150 meters from the Horsemarling roundabout to the north. The northern stretch beyond this point remains unlit due to the Standish area being designated as a dark skies area​.

The existing B4008 is illuminated for a distance of 150 meters from the Horsemarling roundabout to the north. The northern stretch beyond this point remains unlit due to the Standish area being designated as a dark skies area​.

There is no plan to remove any existing vegetation. However, some occasional trimming may be required as part of the preconstruction work.

 

There is no plan to remove any existing vegetation. However, some occasional trimming may be required as part of the preconstruction work.

 

The Standish MUP is being funded by Stroud District Council CIL, S106 developer contributions and walking and cycling bid. Block funding from the Department for Transport makes up the majority of the funding. The funding for the scheme is designated for active travel schemes only and cannot be used for other works such as pothole repairs or general maintenance. Gloucestershire County Council went through a rigorous bidding process to secure the funding from central government and had this been unsuccessful, the money would have been allocated to other local authorities for active travel schemes elsewhere in England. ​

​

The Standish MUP is being funded by Stroud District Council CIL, S106 developer contributions and walking and cycling bid. Block funding from the Department for Transport makes up the majority of the funding. The funding for the scheme is designated for active travel schemes only and cannot be used for other works such as pothole repairs or general maintenance. Gloucestershire County Council went through a rigorous bidding process to secure the funding from central government and had this been unsuccessful, the money would have been allocated to other local authorities for active travel schemes elsewhere in England. ​

​

Construction is planned to start in January 2025.​​

Construction is planned to start in January 2025.​​

Construction of highway schemes are managed to complete works as fast as possible and to minimise disruption, whilst maintaining the safety of workers and ensuring a high standard of work can be carried out. Traffic management, such as temporary signals and lane closures will be put in place to enable the works and to protect the safety of workers and road users. 

Construction of highway schemes are managed to complete works as fast as possible and to minimise disruption, whilst maintaining the safety of workers and ensuring a high standard of work can be carried out. Traffic management, such as temporary signals and lane closures will be put in place to enable the works and to protect the safety of workers and road users. 

The following channels will be used to communicate scheme information:

  • Gloucestershire County Council scheme webpage updates 
  • Letters to affected residents
  • Emails to relevant stakeholders
  • Gloucestershire Cycle Spine email newsletter (sign up here) Gloucestershire County Council (e-shot.net)
  • Contractor newsletters
  • Media releases 
  • Gloucester County Council social media: Facebook, Instagram X, LinkedIn 

 

The following channels will be used to communicate scheme information:

  • Gloucestershire County Council scheme webpage updates 
  • Letters to affected residents
  • Emails to relevant stakeholders
  • Gloucestershire Cycle Spine email newsletter (sign up here) Gloucestershire County Council (e-shot.net)
  • Contractor newsletters
  • Media releases 
  • Gloucester County Council social media: Facebook, Instagram X, LinkedIn 

 

If you have any further questions or wish to comment on the scheme, please contact the project team at Gloucestershire County Council by emailing 

majorprojects@gloucestershire.gov.uk

For all the latest scheme information and to sign up for regular updates, please visit the scheme webpage:

Standish MUP

If you have any further questions or wish to comment on the scheme, please contact the project team at Gloucestershire County Council by emailing 

majorprojects@gloucestershire.gov.uk

For all the latest scheme information and to sign up for regular updates, please visit the scheme webpage:

Standish MUP