Cost and use of new cycle path so far revealed
Gloucestershire’s so-called cycle spine which will connect Bishop’s Cleeve with Stroud via Cheltenham and Gloucester has cost around £50 million so far as hundreds use it every day.
Highways workers are the process of building the 26-mile cycle route and has so far completed most of the route between the city and the spa town which goes through Churchdown.
Gloucestershire County Council says the cycle path will contribute to a significant active travel network across the county.
This is in line with their ambition to deliver high-quality cycle and pedestrian facilities that comply with the latest cycle design guidance, improving the quality and connectivity of cycling and walking facilities, they say.
Figures of the route’s daily use were revealed and its cost came to light at the full council meeting yesterday (March 25).
Reform UK Councillor Chris Mayo (Quedgeley) asked how much the cycle spine has cost to date and how many people are using it.
Liberal Democrat Roger Whyborn (Benhall and Up Hatherley), who is the cabinet member for sustainable transport at Shire Hall, said: “We have delivered in the order of half the 26-mile cycle spine, with completed sections between East of Gloucester and Bishops Cleeve, with works underway in Gloucester city centre.
“Current spend is in the order of £50 million, the vast majority of which has been secured from third party funding ring fenced to cycling, walking and wheeling.
“Typically through bids to central government.
“Cycle volumes have approximately doubled in comparison to pre-covid levels from in the order 200 per day to 400 per day at Arle Court, Cheltenham.
“Current cycle volumes near Brickhampton Golf Course are in the order of 500 per day.
“Data was collected annually every October to ensure a fair data comparison.”