Council seeks views on active travel proposals for Bath Road

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

READING Borough Council has opened up consultation on proposed improvements to cycling and walking links on a busy main route.

Traffic restrictions are proposed for Bath Road, between Berkeley Avenue and Castle Hill, and over the IDR to Castle Street.

The council is seeking views from residents on how cycling, walking, and public transport can be improved.

Current plans include the provision of dedicated cycle lanes and new pedestrian crossing facilities.

The council is looking for feedback on the traffic restriction measures these would involve.

One of the proposals is the removal of one of the road lanes on Castle Hill and Bath Road to accommodate a cycle lane.

It is also seeking to reduce an existing bus lane on the same route, as well as implementing double yellow lines along Castle Hill between Russell Street and Jesse Terrace.

Proposals would also see changes to capacity in areas of bay parking in Permit Holders Only zones to provide extra protection to cyclists in the new segregated lane.

Cllr Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to last year’s consultation on this scheme and the valuable feedback has helped us shape our current plans.

“We are now keen to gather feedback from local residents, businesses and commuters on the scheme’s traffic restriction measures.

“Please take the time to share your comments online before Thursday, February 23.”

He explained: “It has never been more important to promote realistic alternatives to the private car, so as to tackle congestion and improve air quality for the residents and local communities who live on these key routes.

“As part of our wider Climate Emergency Strategy, these proposals underline the Council’s full commitment to tackling the poor air quality which we know exists in parts of Reading.

“By making these improvements we want to encourage more people towards active travel – leaving their car at home and travelling in by cycling, walking or catching the bus.

“Not only is this better for our environment, but it will also be better for people’s pockets –reducing their travel expenses.”

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