Gloucestershire’s ambitious “cycle spine” project, designed to connect Bishop’s Cleeve with Stroud through Cheltenham and Gloucester, has seen significant investment and increasing daily use. To date, the 26-mile cycle path has cost approximately £50 million, with hundreds of cyclists taking advantage of the route every day.
Construction crews have made substantial progress, completing most of the sections between Gloucester and the spa town of Cheltenham, including stretches through Churchdown. Gloucestershire County Council emphasizes that the cycle spine is a vital component of their broader active travel network, aimed at promoting sustainable and healthy transportation options throughout the county.
This development aligns with the council’s commitment to providing high-quality infrastructure that meets modern cycle design standards, thereby improving both the quality and connectivity of cycling and walking routes.
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Financial details and usage statistics were disclosed at a recent full council meeting on March 25. Reform UK Councillor Chris Mayo inquired about the project’s total expenditure and the current level of use.
In response, Liberal Democrat cabinet member for sustainable transport, Roger Whyborn, shared that roughly half of the cycle spine has been completed so far, with works continuing in Gloucester city centre. The £50 million investment predominantly comes from third-party funding, primarily from central government bids dedicated exclusively to cycling, walking, and wheeling initiatives.
Cycle usage has notably increased, doubling from approximately 200 cyclists per day before the COVID-19 pandemic to 400 daily users near Arle Court in Cheltenham. Near Brickhampton Golf Course, daily cyclists number around 500. Data collection occurs annually each October to ensure consistent and fair comparisons over time.
This project underscores Gloucestershire’s commitment to enhancing sustainable transport while fostering healthier communities through improved active travel infrastructure.