Search site

Key Cycle Route Unlocked

An important new cycle link is set to be unlocked, with the introduction of a new route through Lower Castle Park.

Following extensive research and consultation, Colchester Borough Council has approved plans,subject to call in, to develop a cycle link along the Lower Castle Park riverside route between Middle Mill and Pageant Bridge gates.

This new connection, identified through the Cycle Colchester initiative, will provide an important link between east and north-east Colchester and west Colchester into the town centre. These changes will significantly improve the connectivity of Colchester's overall cycle network.

The new route will be funded by Essex County Council and delivered by Colchester Borough Council under the Cycle Colchester project - a partnership between Colchester Borough Council, Essex County Council and the local cycling community.

Results of the public consultation on the scheme were extremely positive, with 70% of those who responded supporting the proposed Lower Castle Park route. It is hoped that the new route will help residents and commuters to choose more sustainable travel options and support the Council's objective of making Colchester a cleaner and greener borough.

The new route will be clearly marked and through the Share the Space campaign will encourage both pedestrians (who will continue to have priority) and cyclists to use the route safely and responsibly.

Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Renaissance, Councillor Lyn Barton, said: "We are delighted to announce the introduction of a new cycle link in Lower Castle Park. After listening to the views of local residents, walkers and cyclists using the area and Colchester's cycling community, we are pleased to bring forward an important link into the town centre.

"We will continue to make improvements to help promote sustainable travel and healthy lifestyles throughout the borough. These improvements will provide knock on benefits for air quality and traffic congestion."

Cllr Tracey Chapman, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: "A fantastic amount has been achieved by the Cycle Colchester project over the past three years to encourage more people to cycle. The introduction of a cycle route along the riverside path in Lower Castle Park removes one further barrier for cyclists and continues to grow the cycle network within the town."

Nigel Brigham, Regional Director of Sustrans, a charity enabling people to walk, cycle and use public transport for everyday journeys said: "This will provide an important link to Routes 1 and 51 of the National Cycle Network which pass through the centre of Colchester. The provision of more convenient routes between residential areas and schools, colleges, stations and shops will give people real choices to travel in ways that benefit their health and the environment. The Cycle Colchester project is to be congratulated on the improvements made and raising the profile of cycling over the last three years."

The new link will provide particularly beneficial for those attending Colchester Institute and St Helena's School who live in East Colchester, and for the residents of the new development on Cowdray Avenue.

Work is planned to begin in the spring.  Use of the new cycle routes will be monitored.  A new, wider bridge is also proposed to replace the narrow one linking the Castle Park and Leisure World to accommodate cyclists. This will be provided as part of the new Cowdray Ave development.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For PR and press opportunities please contact PR and Press Officer Laura Welham on 07815 088150 or communications@colchester.gov.uk

For further comment please contact Councillor Lyn Barton, Portfolio Holder for Renaissance: 01206 766171

Cycle Colchester

In 2008 Colchester was awarded Cycle Town status by Cycling England. The resulting Cycle Colchester partnership has helped deliver extra investment in cycling infrastructure, cycle training and promoting cycling to residents, visitors and those who work within the town.

            One of the main aims for Cycle Town is to improve links in the cycle network, particularly routes which are direct, attractive and traffic-free to help remove barriers to cycling.

            More information on Cycle Colchester can be found at cyclecolchester.org.uk

Sustrans

More information on Sustrans can be found at www.sustrans.org.uk, or 01733 319981