A survey is running on safety improvements for cyclists and pedestrians at a crossing near one of the biggest parks in Reading.
Palmer Park in East Reading stretches across 50 acres of parkland, is home to a former stadium, a leisure centre and a library, and is a well-known spot for people for physical activities such as jogging, football and even volleyball.
It is also used as a convenient route for cyclists travelling between Reading and Earley and Woodley.
Improvements are set as part of the Woodley to Reading Active Travel Route, which has been designed to improve journeys for cyclists travelling between Woodley town centre and Palmer Park.
The route ends at the junction of Wyekham Road and Palmer Park Avenue, which is set to see changes to improve cyclists’ access to Palmer Park.
This project involves adding new cycle symbols to the road, a new raised table crossing at the junction and a parallel crossing into Palmer Park.
Furthermore, the pavement to the south side of Culver Lane will be converted into a shared space for pedestrians and cyclists between its junction with Wykeham Road and the borough boundary.
The changes are being funded by the previous Conservative government’s Active Travel Fund, with Wokingham Borough Council receiving more than half a million pounds (£576,650) for the Woodley to Reading Active Travel Route.
The junction itself falls within Reading Borough, with the council’s highways department running a survey into the adjustments on the Go Vocal consultation website.
The survey asks people a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question as to whether they support the proposal, along with a comment box for tailored responses.
The deadline for responses is Thursday, February 20.
The project was discussed at a Reading Borough Council traffic management sub-committee meeting last November.
The wider Woodley to Reading Active Travel Route involves a new cycle route connecting Woodley town centre to Palmer Park and upgrading existing shared foot and cycle path sections, junction upgrades and crossing points.
Furthermore, parts of Woodlands Avenue will be reduced to 20mph, with Palmerstone Road and Culver Lane proposed to form part of a wider 20mph Zone which is being delivered as a separate scheme.
Information on Wokingham Borough Council’s website states: “With the increasing cost of fuel, walking and cycling is likely to become a more attractive option so we want to make sure we’re providing facilities that are safe, comfortable and inclusive for everyone.
“The proposed link would create a safe, inclusive and direct access to Woodley town centre while connecting it to several schools and leisure facilities.”
