West Berkshire walking and cycling route improvements
The council plans to invest up to ÂŁ1.8m in further active travel schemes next year
Last updated 25th Apr 2026
West Berkshire Council has put cash into more walking and cycling routes.
It wants residents to choose active ways to travel, particularly for shorter local journeys.
The council plans to invest up to ÂŁ1.8m in further active travel schemes next year.
The investment is included in the the council’s transport plan, which aims to increase the number of everyday journeys made by walking, wheeling or cycling.
The long-term plan includes an objective to increase the share of trips in Newbury and Thatcham made by active travel, from around 35 per cent to 50 per cent.
This, it says, would support healthier lifestyles, reduce traffic and help tackle the climate and ecological emergency.
Recent improvements delivered across the district include a new shared-use path and crossing near Francis Baily School in Thatcham, new cycle parking at Cotswold Leisure Centre in Tilehurst, and the first stage of the Eling Way extension through Hermitage.
New glazing has also been installed at bike shelters outside Newbury Library, alongside additional cycle parking at the Lambourn Centre and Shaw House.
New projects coming include a cycle shelter in Hungerford, in conjunction with Hungerford Town Council, a footway and crossing improvements in Priors Court Road, Hermitage, direction signing, and markings and tactile paving in the Northcroft Lane and Turnpike areas of Newbury.
There is an upgrade planned for the Mortimer to Burghfield multi-user path and active travel route improvements in South East Thatcham.
The schemes are being delivered using a range of external funding sources, including the Rural England Prosperity Fund, the Government’s Active Travel Fund and developer contributions.
“Making it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel or cycle for everyday journeys is a really important part of improving quality of life in West Berkshire,” said Stuart Gourley (Lib Dem, Newbury Clay Hill), executive member for environment.
“These schemes help people stay active, cut down on traffic and reduce carbon emissions, while also making our towns and villages more pleasant places to live.
“By continuing to invest in active travel, we are giving residents more choice in how they get around and supporting a healthier, more sustainable future for our communities.”