Construction of the first sustainable travel route funded through BCP Council and Dorset Council’s multi-million pound Transforming Travel – Transforming Cities Fund programme gets underway on 18 January.
The new 2.3km cycle path and walking improvements in Wimborne and Colehill will form the first part of a green travel route planned to run to and from Poole town centre, Ferndown and Wimborne.
The work marks the start of south east Dorset’s largest ever investment in sustainable travel infrastructure creating 78km of new cycling and walking routes for eco-friendly, safe and healthy journeys to work, education and leisure.
The works, due to complete towards the end of 2021, include:
- A new, largely segregated 2.3km two-way cycleway
- New ‘parallel crossings’ allowing both pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road safely
- Reduced speed limit
- Junction improvements
- Additional green space and planting including new trees.
Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “We are dedicated to ensuring we can all enjoy a cleaner, greener and healthier place to live, work, and visit. Putting the needs of the community front and centre, the project aims to support safe alternatives to the car and improve the user experience for everyone. The cycleway will benefit so many local people. Parents who have children in local schools will hopefully share my enthusiasm that their children can ride their bikes and scooters safely in the knowledge that the speed limit has been reduced. Wheelchair and mobility scooter users have two new crossings across the road. The walkways and cycle routes will provide easy access to play areas, leisure facilities and common land. Those commuting to Ferndown Industrial Estate will find themselves with increased options on how to travel to their place of work.”
Councillor Mike Greene, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability at BCP Council, added: “We’re really excited to see the start of construction on south east Dorset’s first green travel route that will transform local travel, particularly for short journeys. It gives people real options about how they can get out and about locally without necessarily having to use the car. Being able to walk, cycle, scoot or run to work, school or for leisure has tremendous benefits for the environment, economy and people’s health and wellbeing.”