Cyclists back Royal Victoria Park improvements as work continues

Cyclists have voiced their support for improvements at Royal Victoria Park, as work continues on a major programme to make the park safer, more accessible and easier to use throughout the year.

Bath & North East Somerset Council's wider programme of improvements includes upgraded lighting, improved pavements, new pedestrian crossings and measures to support walking, wheeling and cycling through the park.

Work on the lighting, pedestrian routes and crossings is currently under way, while the cycle lane element of the scheme remains paused pending a review of the Traffic Regulation Order process.

Improvements to lighting and footways are being delivered through separate approvals, and will continue as planned.

The scheme forms part of the council's wider Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Links programme.

Local cycling representatives have spoken out in support of the project, and challenged suggestions that cyclists are opposed to the scheme.

Pete Dyson, Bicycle Mayor of Bath, and Peter Brookes, Chair of Bath Cycling Club, said they support the Royal Victoria Park scheme.

"Removing the cycle lane element would be a missed opportunity to give new cyclists a safe place to learn, gain confidence and ride into the city. It's a tragedy for people to misrepresent the efforts of the council," Mr Dyson and Mr Brookes said.

Councillor Lucy Hodge, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Delivery, said the work to improve pavements, lighting and pedestrian crossings "is ongoing whilst the cycle lane is currently paused".

"We thank everyone for their comments and are listening to all views," Cllr Hodge said.