New Bristol cyclepath to cross M32 motorway
Plans for a 'cycling expressway' which would link communities divided by the M32 are being considered by Bristol City Council.
The city council is examining the idea of creating a two-mile cycle and pedestrian path alongside the railway line running from Lawrence Hill station to Montpelier station.
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The plans have been put forward to the council by cycling campaigner Josh Hart, a masters degree student at the University of the West of England.
The 32-year-old believes the path could be created as part of Bristol's £22.4 million cycling city programme.
The cyclist believes the route would be ideal because it is largely flat and would help link communities in east and west Bristol divided by the M32.
The section of the cyclepath between Lawrence Hill and Narroways Junction at Glenfrome Road would run alongside the main railway line to Bristol Parkway before following the Severn Beach line between Narroways and Montpelier.
Mr Hart said: "It's an exciting idea that has galvanised a lot of people living on both sides of the M32.
"The potential of this project is immense because the Bristol to Bath cycle path could be extended from the east to the northern fringe and employment opportunities there.
"The path would be mainly flat because railway lines never have much more than a two per cent gradient.
"It would get people onto their bikes because two of the biggest problems in Bristol are the hills and the traffic."
Josh admitted that although the idea looks promising on paper, there would be obstacles to overcome.
He said: "The council would need to carry out a feasibility study to look into land ownership and the condition of the bridges.
"Also, we wouldn't want to undermine the potential for rail traffic on the line, so there is a need to work in conjunction with Network Rail.
"The tunnel at Montpelier is a bit narrow so we would need to assess whether there is enough space alongside the railway."
Councillor Jon Rogers, who represents the Ashley ward, has championed Josh's suggestion.
He said: "The path would be very gentle in both directions and would provide an opportunity to cross the M32 in a safe way. It's great idea."
Kate Hartas, spokeswoman for Bristol City Council, said: "A feasibility study is being undertaken."
A total of £22.8 million will be spent on making Bristol the country's first Cycling Demonstration City.
The cash, half from the Government and half from the city council, must be spent by March 2011.
As well as new cycle routes, there will be initiatives to get more people riding bikes and to educate children in cycling safety.
New routes have already been earmarked from the city centre to Whitchurch and from St Werburgh's to Lockleaze.
Bristol saw off competition from Leicester and Manchester to become the country's first cycling city in June.
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by Steve, Isle of Night
Thursday, October 30 2008, 10:35PM
“Hi GR for short, my ~ key is shared with #, perhaps my lap top is more advanced than yours. I can see the headlines now : GingerRog &(got that key?) FredAst solve Bristol's transport system AND appearing at the Coal Snall as the new comedy duo. Trust you got up to date with my other Evening Post contributions, I was first comment on the Bicycle Hire, travelling on a hired bike to my grandmother's funeral in Westbury on Trym (died on her 100th birthday ~ she reached the 87th bump and her heart gave up) whilst my suitcases travelled to WoT in a taxi. Not printed!! Censored, I don't believe it (Victor Meldrew) I do ... (mmm Betty >(got that key? ... Frank Spencer too) My talents are endless, one of my best impersonations is whistling like my milkman. Proves somebody is reading this website if a contribution gets intercepted.”
by GingerRog, Bristol
Thursday, October 30 2008, 9:51PM
“@Steve, Isle of Busright
Brilliant, 5 seater self-drive mini buses - that would cut down some of the traffic congestion.
Or, alternatively, a Stage Coach running along the disused railway track.
That would be a novel tourist attraction for Bristol.
Opened by Girlband of course!!
RATfree - sorry(!) VATfree!!
We could attend the opening ceremony dressed up as GingerRog and FredAst!!”
by GingerRog, Bristol
Thursday, October 30 2008, 8:47PM
“@Steve, Isle of Alright
You may call me GR!!
I can't find the key that's why I don't use it!!
Where is it?
I will reply to the rest of your comments asap.”
by Steve, Isle Alright
Thursday, October 30 2008, 7:52PM
“GingerRog ~ can I call you GR for short? I feel I know you by now, even though we haven't been formally introduced. I am sure you had a good grammar school education as your spelling is most impressive, but you do not appear to use the ~~~~~ key as much as me.I made a few comments on the "Forum" article yesterday which you may like to review. Some decent material on there which we could use in the act, by the way, I am happy to have a stage name FredAst if it helps.
Excuse me while I scroll up to see what I should be commenting about.........
....back now. An idea put forward by a 32 year old tax dodger oops student well....
very expensive, but.... if rat catching scoops were attached to bikes then I may go along with the idea. GR for short, your idea of small buses! Epic! Why not make them very small buses (5 seats) and self drive?”
by Richard, Bristol
Thursday, October 30 2008, 7:09PM
“Sorry I misread the story, the price for this part of Bristol's cycle routes won't cost much at all. Great idea Josh, I think the ringround from Keynsham to Emmersons Green should have a completed track to connect to the cycle routes as well. I watched a person struggle dangerously on there with their nike last night.”
by Richard, Bristol
Thursday, October 30 2008, 7:02PM
“This is a great idea and will make Barton Hill and Easton more accessible, currently those areas are isolated which doesn't help with their fight to regenerate. I can't see how it'll cost more than £3m but it'll be worth it anyway!!”
by GingerRog, Bristol
Thursday, October 30 2008, 6:14PM
“@Steve, Isle of Bikes, or Isle of FewBikes
Help me out partner .... another bike story has appeared!!”
by GingerRog, Bristol
Thursday, October 30 2008, 5:42PM
“@Steve, Isle of Littlebuses
Perhaps we could have little buses used on the disused railway track instead!!
And have it painted at the same time .....?”
by Dean, Fishponds
Thursday, October 30 2008, 5:35PM
“They could use the £22 million to invest in Icelandic banks for a year, whilst they think about what to do with it. I hear they are offering great interest rates at the moment”
by Chancellor, Downing Street
Thursday, October 30 2008, 5:29PM
“Heaven knows the eventual cost will be, it shot up £400000 while I was reading it.”