Bristol cycle path could be used for buses

A cycle path linking Bristol and Bath could be turned into a bus lane in a bid to beat congestion, it has been revealed.

Plans to revamp Bristol's transport links are being considered by the West of England Partnership, a group made up of the four councils in the former Avon area.

Stretches of the path running along a former railway line from Emersons Green into the city centre could be used for a Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) or “guided bus” route – which could thenthen continue on out to Bristol International Airport.

The route is popular with cyclists, joggers and people who want to enjoy some peace and quietin the bustling city. But they could end up sharing it with futuristic hybrid fuel buses if the BRT plan goes ahead.

Concerned cyclists have organised a public meeting on February 5 to discuss the proposals.

Mark Bradshaw, Bristol's cabinet councillor for transport and the environment, said: “The West of England Partnership, including Bristol City Council, is determined to bring forward a step change in public transport provision.

“One obvious solution is to find innovative ways to bring back former railway lines into use as public transport corridors – and we are exploring how a 'guided bus' could work alongside a cycle route on part of the Bristol to Bath path.

“The aim is to provide a fast, reliable, public transport service that would not be hampered by traffic congestion on the roads and would link the developments, housing and ring road connections at Emersons Green with Bristol city centre.

“Ultimately, it could run to Ashton Vale – opening up regeneration opportunities in South Bristol – and maybe even one day as far as Bristol International Airport.

“It would help transform public transport in Bristol and its surrounding sub region and I believe the vast majority of people in the city would welcome it.

“We are aware of the concerns of some cyclists – although we believe many will welcome the improvement to public transport this proposal offers.

“Through consultation with cycling groups, we are determined to design a scheme that will retain a cycle route along the corridor alongside any guided bus service.”

The Bristol Evening Post understands that while crossing the city centre, the buses could be run on tracks around the Floating Harbour before heading out to Ashton Vale.

Questions have also been raised over how the cycle route and bus lane would operate in narrower parts of the cycle cycle path, such as in Easton.

Pete Taylor, of Bristol Cycling Campaign, said he believed any such plan should be rejected.

He said: “I would rather there was peace and tranquility than buses going down there.

“The path is essential for people's well-being. They don't want to get rid of cyclists, and there is the problem of upsetting nature and losing the rural feel of the path.

“It is the jewel in the crown of the national cycle trail and I think it should be left well alone.”

The cyclists believe only a narrow corridor will be left for people to ride their bikes next to a new concrete track for the futuristic buses.

The proposals are among a raft of measures included in the West of England partnership's Our Future Transport document, which aims to cut congestion in the Bristol region over the next 20 years.

The partnership is planning to bid for funding this year, and build the route between 2011 and 2014.

It is one of three BRTs initially planned for the region, which will eventually be extended to nine.

The partnership estimates the fleet of hybrid buses will cost about £70 million.

Rachel Hicks from First Bus said: “The aim is to help develop a system that will tackle issues of bus reliability and punctuality head-on. “Anything that will effectively help to take the bus out of the general traffic congestion has got to be good for the future of public transport in this area.

“The scheme reflects our desire to help offer a practical alternative to people who currently use the car as their primary mode of transport.”

Transport charity Sustrans has been behind the development of a national cycle path network, including the Bristol to Bath route.

Marketing director Melissa Henry said: “Sustrans is aware of the plans being developed, and we are seeking clarity on the exact proposals from the West of England Partnership so we can base any action we take on the full facts. We expect to make a formal response next week.”

David Cole, development director of Avon Valley Railway, which runs from the end of the path in Mangotsfield to Newbridge, said the proposal caused a dilemma.

He said: “We do support the potential for public transport in general, but we also see the benefit of the use of the path as a cycling and walking area as well.”