READING Borough Council has opened up consultation on proposed improvements to cycling and walking links in Reading.
Traffic restrictions are currently proposed for Bath Road, between Berkeley Avenue and Castle Hill, and over the IDR to Castle Street.
The council is seeking views from residents on how cycling, walking, and public transport can be improved on the routes.
Current plans include the provision of dedicated cycle lanes and new pedestrian crossing facilities, and the council is looking for feedback on the traffic restriction measures these would involve.
One of the proposals is the removal of one of the road lanes on Castle Hill and Bath Road to accommodate a cycle lane.
It is also seeking to reduce an existing bus lane on the same route, as well as implementing double yellow lines along Castle Hill between Russell Street and Jesse Terrace.
Proposals would also see changes to capacity in areas of bay parking in Permit Holders Only zones to provide extra protection to cyclists in the new segregated lane.
Councillor Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to last year’s consultation on this scheme and the valuable feedback has helped us shape our current plans.
“We are now keen to gather feedback from local residents, businesses and commuters on the scheme’s traffic restriction measures.
“Please take the time to share your comments online before 23 February.”
He explained: “It has never been more important to promote realistic alternatives to the private car, so as to tackle congestion and improve air quality for the residents and local communities who live on these key routes.
“As part of our wider Climate Emergency Strategy, these proposals underline the Council’s full commitment to tackling the poor air quality which we know exists in parts of Reading.
“By making these improvements we want to encourage more people towards active travel – leaving their car at home and travelling in by cycling, walking or catching the bus.
“Not only is this better for our environment, but it will also be better for people’s pockets – reducing their travel expenses.”
Speaking about the specific proposals, Cllr Page said: “The Bath Road Castle Hill scheme very much delivers a key ‘missing link’ which would allow cyclists to travel more safely to and from the Town Centre and across the busy IDR.”
Following this consultation, the council will seek to refine and update the designs further and plans to begin work in the summer.
Cllr Page added: “Our investment in the Bath Road/Castle Hill area of Reading is just one part of the wider picture of increasing active travel in Reading.
“Our work to implement cycling and walking improvements along the Shinfield Road, from Christchurch Green to Whitley Wood Road, is well underway.
“We have also achieved significant improvements in other areas, including the routes on Redlands Road and Christchurch Road, and Sidmouth Street delivered as part of Tranche 1 funding.”
He continued: “We are also working towards the creation of a bike hub in the centre of the town and we also continue to invest in free cycle courses for residents, and in supporting the creation of School Streets.”
