New Bristol cycle path may be put on hold
by Marc Rath
Plans for a cycle path beside a railway line crossing the M32 could stall after Network Rail revealed disused tracks on the route might be needed for trains.
Bristol City Council announced in October it was looking into the idea of creating a two-mile 'cycle expressway' alongside the railway line running from Lawrence Hill station to Montpelier station.
The suggestion was put forward by transport campaigner Josh Hart, who said a path could reunite communities divided by the M32.
The 32-year-old said the route could be created as part of Bristol's £22.8-million Cycling City programme.
Under the plans, the pedestrian and cycle path would use disused tracks alongside those in use on the Severn Beach line and Temple Meads to Filton Abbey Wood line.
But Network Rail says the spare tracks might be needed for future rail expansion.
A spokeswoman for Network Rail said: "We are always supportive of sustainable transport initiatives and we have been in discussions with the council on this matter and the industry's long-term aspiration for the use of the trackbed between Dr Day's Junction, near Temple Meads and Filton Abbey Wood.
"In our 2008 business plan published earlier this year, we have indicated a long-term strategy to deliver improved rail corridors to meet growth forecast for the next 30 years.
"This includes the potential reinstatement of the four-track railway between Dr Day's Junction and Filton Abbey Wood."
Mr Hart, a masters degree student at the University of the West of England, said: "If they want to expand and increase the frequency of public transport, that is good but if we can have a cycle and pedestrian path as well, then all the better.
"The fact that they haven't slammed the door on this is positive. We don't know if the plans for rail expansion are another 20 years away. The route could go to waste over the next two decades."
19 Comments
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by Natalie, Bristol
Wednesday, December 17 2008, 2:30PM
“Oh dear Des... i think you've been got!”
by Howard, Somerset
Friday, December 12 2008, 7:35PM
“Des Bowring: "I assume Josh Hart cycled all the way from San Francisco. Perhaps he'll cycle back again now and leave us all in peace."
In a way, Des, you're probably right. There's no place for talented, forward thinking young men with a bit of vision in Backward Brain-Dead Britain. This country with its blinkered, introverted attitude has been haemorrhaging people with talent and enterprise for the past 50 years. People like that will naturally go where they can make the most of their talents and are appreciated. Which explains the current state of this god-forsaken rock with its higher than average idiot ratio among its population.”
by Des Bowring, Montpelier
Friday, December 12 2008, 2:38PM
“It's not going to happen despite all these comments orchestrated by On The Level blog/Easton maffia.
Forget it and move on.”
by Max Wakefield, Redland
Friday, December 12 2008, 11:44AM
“A great plan, Network rail have no articulated plans a the moment, and have just built a maintenance building slap in the middle of one of the beds - they are very unlikely to build for a couple of decades. Let's use this space properly and get people on bikes and join up communities. Too long Easton has been obscured by the thunderous and filthy M32, lets remind people its there!”
by Des Bowring, Montpelier
Thursday, December 11 2008, 4:39PM
“I assume Josh Hart cycled all the way from San Francisco. Perhaps he'll cycle back again now and leave us all in peace.”
by nickleberry, Redfield
Thursday, December 11 2008, 2:41PM
“I cycle to work every day. Any proposal that would reduce the amount of time I spend trying not to be killed by cars suits me!
I have every sympathy for train passengers, and would not want long-term development of train routes to be compromised by this scheme. However I am absolutely certain that if the council is REALLY committed to improving conditions for cyclists in Bristol, then they can find a way to make this cycleway happen without adversely affecting trains.”
by Jenny, Redfield
Thursday, December 11 2008, 1:37PM
“I think it's a great idea. Like Phil says it would be a fantastic centrepiece for a cycling city and connect parts of the city that have long been divided. From Redfield where I live to Redland, this route would probably make cycling quicker than either taking the bus or driving. It would make the journey quick, cheap, safe, environmentally friendly and healthy. Where's the downside in that??! I”
by Alex, Bristol
Thursday, December 11 2008, 12:51PM
“Maybe it's time to lobby Network Rail to reconsider. I think pedestrians and cyclists alike can benefit from this section being opened up. Will go some way to reunite these two communities.”
by Phil, Cotham
Thursday, December 11 2008, 12:40PM
“I think it'd clearly be a great way to connect east and west bristol. If we are to be a pioneering cycling city then this would be a great way to go about it”
by Paul Grimshaw, Easton
Thursday, December 11 2008, 11:25AM
“I think this cycle route is a fantastic idea, and would provide a quick and safe link across a route that has long been a hazardous ride.”