Get pedalling! That's the message from Highways England as
it reveals the latest areas to benefit from a multi-million-pound
investment in cycling.
Since 2015, the company has pumped more than £85 million
towards the creation of 160 new and upgraded cycle ways across
the country.
To mark National Bike Week, Highways England has announced
the opening of new paths and funding for cycle routes in the
South East and South West of England.
There’s never been a better time to get on your bike and
try out one of Highways England’s cycle routes which criss-cross
the country, helping to link villages, towns and
cities.
Highways England Chief Executive, Jim O’Sullivan,
said:
“We care about everyone who uses our road network and we’ve
made significant progress integrating cycling into the design of
our schemes.
“Improved opportunities for cycling
creates obvious benefits for health, safety and
the wider environment. And during the current
pandemic it is especially important that we
can provide opportunities for cyclists and
pedestrians, not barriers to their journeys as people return to
work.”
Following unprecedented levels of walking and cycling
across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, the enhancements
to the cycle network have given more people a choice when
considering alternatives to public transport when they need to
travel, making healthier habits easier and
helping to make sure the road network is ready to respond to
future increases in demand.
Cycling Minister said:
“We are determined to build a more resilient, sustainable
transport network in the wake of COVID-19, with more people
taking to two wheels as a healthy and green way to get
around.
“Bike Week is a great opportunity for people to give
cycling a go and Highways England’s new cycling infrastructure
provides the chance for people to explore their
communities.”
In the latest initiative which opens today, Highways
England has invested £675,000 into Dorset Council’s project to
create improved cycle and footpaths, and
upgraded crossings on both the A35 and Sea Road South.
As part of the scheme, a new, unsegregated footway and
cycleway has been installed along Sea Road North, together with a
new toucan crossing, while the existing puffin crossing on Sea
Road South has been upgraded to a toucan crossing – all part of
ongoing improvements to the North Bridport/Bradpole and South
Bridport/Bothenhampton cycle route.
And this week it has also been announced that cyclists in
West Sussex will soon benefit from a new 7-mile route linking
Chichester to Emsworth travelling along the A259 corridor. The
project is expected to begin construction next year and will
connect villages along the corridor proving commuting and leisure
facilities.
Cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders
will see more benefits over the next five years, with
£169 million set aside in Highways
England’s new Users and Communities
fund. The company is using
the fund to improve services for users and
neighbours of England’s motorways and major A-roads, including
increasing the options people have for sustainable
travel.
Highways England manages four designated funds, allocated
by the Government, to deliver benefits above and beyond building,
maintaining and operating England’s strategic
roads. From protecting the environment and
enhancing the landscape around roads, to improving safety,
reducing congestion, and supporting communities, the aim is to
make a positive difference to people’s lives.
