Campaigns
Including Cycling UK's Space For Cycling campaign
and Cycling UK's Cycle Advocacy Network
On this page you'll find issues that affect us as cyclists' right across the county.
Melanie Carroll is our Campaigns Officer and will be our 'Point Of Contact'.
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CAMPAIGNS OFFICER'S REPORT
You can download and read Melanie's latest 'Campaigns Officer's Report' (May 2022) HERE
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We would ask that any and all our members to also write to the council or other agencies when they become aware of issues that may effect themselves or other cyclists, as well as letting us know. It is no longer enough for just the voice of Cycling UK Lincolnshire to speak out, to ensure that we are heard and our needs appreciated it also needs many individual letters because each letter counts. Gone are the days when a membership organisation letter counted for the many. Now they need many letters from individuals to really make them take notice.
The work continues on and again I'd ask all Members to be active campaigners for cycle provision and safety and keep an eye on any proposed changes in their areas. Let us know too anything that we should be aware of, be it an accident blackspot, a proposed change to roads or right of ways, a new building works or estate or any other issue that needs the needs of the bicycle rider being kept front and centre.
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A QUICK GUIDE TO BASIC CAMPAIGNING THAT EVERYONE CAN DO
Melanie's written 'A quick guide to basic campaigning that everyone can do' and you can download and read the article HERE
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DISTRICT COUNCIL CONTACT INFORMATION
For contact information within East Lindsey, North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire,
you can download and read the article HERE
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CAMPAIGNS ARCHIVE 2022
A46 PROTECTED CYCLE LANE (Bargate to Peaks Parkway)
UPDATE 17th January 2022.
Following several consultations and completing engagement survey's in 2021, it was very disheartening to hear that North East Lincolnshire have decided not to go ahead with the proposal on the protected cycle lane on Weelsby Road. The consultation closed at the end of 2021 and the results presented to Cabinet on Wednesday 1 December. The decision was finally announced on 17th January 2022.
A spokesperson for North East Lincolnshire Council said: "The proposal to introduce a dedicated cycleway on a section of the A46 will not go ahead.
"The decision follows extensive consultation carried out in late 2021. If support could have been secured, the new cycle lane on Weelsby Road would have run between Bargate and Peaks Parkway.
"Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport at North East Lincolnshire Council, would like to thank those who participated in engagement surveys.
"With all the surveys reviewed, Cllr Swinburn can confirm that the proposal to introduce a new cycle lane on Weelsby Road did not secure the level of support required through engagement surveys.
"The council will continue to explore other avenues to improve cyclist safety along this route.
"Subject to Department for Transport approval, highways officers are looking at other locations where cycling infrastructure improvements can be implemented."
“As a council that listens, we have taken your views onboard,” said Cllr Swinburn.
“Your feedback is important and we will always welcome people’s comments on upcoming and ongoing schemes.
“In this case, we’ve decided not to go ahead with a protected cycle lane because the alterations required to install the cycleway were not supported by the community.
“A large number of people, including residents, business owners, cyclists who use the route, and staff and students at the Grimsby Institute, completed the most recent survey, and I’d like to thank you for your comments.”
A chance to discuss Cycling Infrastructure with members of North East Lincolnshire's Council Cabinet
UPDATE 21st February 2022.
The Council’s Cabinet is to hold a series of ‘listening’ events in February and March 2022.
For the first time since the onset of the pandemic and lockdown, members of the public are being invited to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the area.
The sessions are being run as ‘drop-in sessions’. Visitors will be offered time slots at the door.
Council Leader, Philip Jackson, said he and Cabinet colleagues were looking forward to hearing more about issues facing communities where they live.
“This was something we pledged to do when we were elected back in 2019. We managed to hold some before COVID-19 called a halt to all face-to-face contact and so we are pleased to be able to bring them back,” he said.
“As with the first sessions, this won’t be any sort of decision-making forum, but we’re keen to make sure we’re accessible to the public and we hope people will take the opportunity to come and discuss some of the key things either already going on or planned for the area.”
Cllr Jackson also stated the events would not replace or impact other ward surgeries.
“These listening events are more of an opportunity for the public to come and talk to us about borough-wide matters – and also share some of their ideas with us if they want – so we can continue to work with them to realize the ambition and aspirations we all have for North East Lincolnshire.’’
Councillor Stewart Swinburn (Portfolio Holder for the Environment and Transport) who turned down the A46 Protected Cycle Lane scheme, will be in attendance. Now's your chance to discuss improvements in cycling infrastructure.
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DROP IN SESSIONS
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· Cleethorpes Town Hall between 5 pm and 7 pm on Monday, 21 February.
· Grimsby Town Hall between 5 pm and 7 pm on Monday, 7 March.
· Immingham Civic Centre between 5.30 pm and 7.30 pm on Thursday, 10 March.
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UPDATE 7th March 2022.
Tim Newbery attended the ‘drop-in session’ on Monday 7th March 2022 giving the opportunity of a one to one conversation with North East Lincolnshire Cabinet member Councillor Stewart Swinburn (Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport).
A 20-minute dialogue followed covering many issues relating to cycling. Rewarding certainly.
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Tim expressed disappointment on the failure to carry forward the introduction of a dedicated cycleway on the A46 between Bargate and Peaks Parkway, especially as it might discourage Grimsby Institute students cycling to college or example. This scheme had been funded to the tune of £319,000 as part of the Department for Transport’s “Active Travel Fund”. Cllr Swinburn stated that there had been overwhelming opposition to the scheme by the public following two consultations but gave assurance that a proportion of the money awarded would be re-allocated to smaller scale improvements, one of which might be a protected cycleway between Grimsby Institute and Bradley along the Laceby Road. Cllr Swinburn also discussed Tranche 3 of the Active Travel Fund.
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Cllr Swinburn stated that he had just finished a meeting detailing The Local Transport Plan for 2022/23-2024/25. The Department of Transport has very recently awarded the authority a budget of nearly £4 million for 2022/2023. A further Cabinet meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 9th March 2022 to discuss approval of the Local Transport Delivery Plan 2022/23-2024/25, part of which involves Active travel (cycling, walking and Public Rights of Way).
DfT suggested budget split:
Carriageway & Footway maintenance 47%, Highway structures 9%, Street lighting 1%, Traffic 13%, Road safety 12%, Public transport 9% and Active travel 9%.
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Tim also discussed the recent award (1st February 2022) of The Capability Fund grant which has replaced the Access Fund. This is totally separate to the Active Travel Fund and the much larger capital grant fund, and enables local transport authorities to promote cycling and walking by the development of infrastructure plans and carrying out behaviour change activities such as training. North East Lincolnshire UA has been awarded £338,195. Cllr Swinburn said that he would follow this up and contact Tim on any future proposals that might come as a result of the funding.
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Finally, discussions took place on the ‘Super Highway’ between Grimsby and Immingham, the third and final part of which is
scheduled to be completed in April 2022. Cllr Swinburn acknowledged that the route which finishes at Grimsby and Cleethorpes Yacht Club then leaves a cyclist on a circuitous route into the town centre and is in no way intuitive. The DfT now prefers routes away from main roads and future developments would need to be planned appropriately. Tim was asked if he had cycled in the area and would he be available to give any feedback on current routes and future schemes. On behalf of Cycling UK Lincolnshire Tim agreed and is looking forward to future engagement.
Visit North Lincolnshire Networking Meeting
UPDATE 1st March 2022.
Monday 7th March 2022 13.00-15.00 at 20-21 Visual Arts Centre, Church Square, Scunthorpe, DN15 6TB.
There are still a few places left (limited to 40) on the Networking Meeting which is focused on Sustainability and encouraging businesses to ‘go green’. Contact: www.visitnorthlincolnshire.com for availability and to obtain an eventbrite link.
Guest speakers include Helen Smith from Visit Lincoln who will be giving a talk on Cycle Lincolnshire and how visitor economy businesses can get involved and attract cyclists.
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UPDATE 9th March 2022.
Helen Smith took over in December from Haley Toyne as Project Manager for ‘Cycle Lincolnshire’ (following on from Cycle England). Visit Lincoln, Visit Lincolnshire and Cycle Lincolnshire are all run under the auspices of Lincolnshire County Council.
The aim is very much to promote ‘Cycle Tourism’. Cycle Tourism currently adds £520 million to the local economy in Lincolnshire. Helen stated that there are many local cycle routes being promoted across the county for example within West Lindsey, East Lindsey, LCC, North East Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire and so on. However, these are largely short unconnected routes and the idea is to liaise with all the Tourist Officers to promote the county in a more co-ordinated way for cycling holidays. Pre pandemic there was a focus on targeting the Dutch and German market but it’s now more of a domestic market that is being targeted, especially with the demise of ‘Welcome to Yorkshire’. Helen said that she would love to see a county wide route that would connect all the regions, aiming at getting tourists to spend a few days touring the county. Cycle Lincolnshire have already published a number of shorter routes designed for cycling holidays.
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With regards to North Lincolnshire, there are 12 cycle routes currently published. Laura Ashton, Senior Events Officer North Lincolnshire, stated that these routes were devised in some instances over 20 years ago and that they need to be re-ridden and if appropriate re-designed. North Lincolnshire is also developing a new route to take in historic Thornton Abbey. Vicky Loftus (Breeze Network Lincolnshire Ride Leader, Breeze Champion and Lincs Inspire) has been asked to devise a route. All of these routes will then be re-branded under Cycle Lincolnshire.
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‘Becoming Cycle Friendly’
An opportunity for business’ in the Greater Lincolnshire area wanting to welcome cyclists (whether to provide accommodation, food and drink, local attraction or a cycle specific product) to complete online modules and be awarded a Cycle Lincolnshire Charter.
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Social Prescribing Day
UPDATE 10th March 2022.
Today is 'Social Prescribing Day' and North East Lincolnshire Council and its regeneration partner EQUANS have just been awarded £76,00 from the Department of Transport to find out how social prescribing scheme could be developed locally, helping to enable local people to engage in active travel such as cycling. If given the go-ahead to take part in the national pilot, it could see social prescribing referrals for people to take part in activity programmes and projects that encourage cycling as part of their daily travel. This could include social/guided bike rides, equipment loans and new infrastructure.
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Development of a new 10,000 sq feet Sainsburys store near Washingborough impacting the Water Rail Way.
UPDATE 8th February 2022.
Andrew Townhil, Secretary Cycling UK Lincoilnshire.
“There is a matter of concern with a development that is planned to open a Sainsbury’s store very near the Sustrans Water Rail Way shared user path in Washingborough (near Lincoln).
While it is not on the Water Rail itself there is I feel sure that it will impact on the NCN 1 route because it is a new 10,000 sq feet Sainsburys store that will be built adjacent to Green Lane which for those living in Washingborough and for others is the main access point to the Water Rail Way. I feel it will encourage more car journeys and will present a danger to vulnerable road users trying to access Green Lane. If you have not seen the plans they can be viewed here
Sainsbury's Consultation – Washingborough Parish Council (lincolnshire.gov.uk)
I have made my views known but not had a reply".
"There seems to be provision for bike racks and a pedestrian crossing. I feel if this goes ahead there will be other developments on Green Lane, for example additional housing and drive through fast food and coffee facilities. I think ultimately the Water Rail Way would come under threat with pressure of the narrow lane to be used as an access road".
UPDATE 15th February 2022.
Response from Gwyneth McMinn, Head of Network Development (England, Midlands and East) Sustrans:
"We were not aware of a development for a new 10,000 sq feet Sainsburys store near Washingborough.
I will inform my Network Development Manager, Joss Winter for this area to look into this matter further and reply to the planning application direct" .
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UPDATE 9TH March 2022.
Report by Paul Whitelam, Senior Reporter ‘lincolnshirelive’
“Residents appear to support the idea of a new Sainsbury’s store in their village, according to a survey by the supermarket giant. Just over 400 people responded to a survey about its plan during a recent consultation”.
“Asked whether they would support improved shopping choice in Washingborough, 64 per cent of respondents indicated that they would, while 57 per cent said that they would support or tend to support a new Sainsbury’s specifically”.
Pending planning permission, Sainsbury’s hopes to open the store in summer 2023
DfT Active Travel Fund
UPDATE 23RD May 2022.
DfT Announce final funding allocations for the local transport authorities of the active travel fund.
Tranche 1 supported the installation of temporary projects for the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Tranche 2 supported the creation of longer-term projects.
Tranche 3 final 2021-2022 allocation.
Lincolnshire: £105,500; 799,900; 1,800.000
North East Lincolnshire: £42,000; 319,200; 264,000
North Lincolnshire: £41,000; 154,850; 175,000
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Active Travel Fund Scheme in Louth
UPDATE 23RD May 2022.
Louth's Independent Traders praise the scheme...
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The timeline to pedestrianise and facilitate cycling in Louth town centre so far:
March 2021: an open consultation was held on proposals for pavement cafe licenses, parking restrictions and associated closures in relation to the newly pedestrianised area plans.
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May 2021: Consultation period closed following local elections
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June 2021: LCC (Lincolnshire County Council) liaised with local councillor Sarah Parkin regarding the proposed scheme and options to the original plan after reacting to feedback from residents and businesses. The county council also met with local cycle forums (Louth Cycle Forum) to look at some issues they had raised
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July 2021: LCC met on-site to go through issues and agreed solutions
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September/October: LCC liaised with ELDC parking services and Market organisers to clarify all their requirements.
October: LCC met with councillor Parkin and a trader where they discussed the scheme from the trader's perspective. This information was shared with EATF planners to consider in the ongoing design.
October/November: Design elements for the scheme to temporarily widen footways are worked on for the works programme and delivery.
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December: LCC met with councillor Parkin, representatives from East Lindsey District Council and local traders to share the details of the proposals, explain the rationale behind them and ensure that they were happy with the restrictions. Plan adjustments were made following the meeting.
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March: The scheme begins with changes to Mercer Row and traffic flow in that area of the town. After feedback from those using the area, changes were promptly made to the first part of the scheme’s activation.
Barriers that were in place on Mercer Row were removed with planters used instead to close off access to Cornmarket denoting the newly pedestrianised area. Changes to signage were also being undertaken.
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May 2022: Parklet seat units that combine bespoke seating options with large planters are announced for the area to encourage people to stop and rest in the café culture part of Louth.
Councillor Richard Davies, executive member for Lincolnshire Highways at Lincolnshire County Council said: "The Active Travel Scheme is something designed to open up the businesses and café culture to a wider audience. As we have right from the very start of this process, we will continue to listen to feedback from everyone who wants to get in touch.
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Gary Denniss, chairman of the Louth Independent Traders said: "I think EATF (Emergency Active Travel Fund) will bring to Louth a much more pleasant shopping experience for customers and as a town, we have to move forward, we cannot stand still.
"We have all just been through a very difficult period and now is the time to make some changes to encourage people to use their local towns. We want to make it the very best experience for them that we can.
"Having spoken with members of the public and traders, it’s clear that most of them think that the EATF is a great idea." He added: "Louth was not designed for the number of cars we currently see on our streets and the town is well blessed with car parks and some of the cheapest parking in the country, some of it is even free.
"Most car parks are within a 5-minute walk of the town centre. We have disabled parking in the centre of town on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays so I think we have covered all the bases." Changes have been made to Mercer Row which includes restricting traffic to create a larger pedestrian area feeding into Cornmarket.
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UPDATE 1ST JUNE 2022.
Louth Active Travel Scheme: Mercer Row seats arriving July
Two bespoke combination seating units will be the latest addition to the town’s blossoming café culture.
July will see two large seat units that combine comfortable seating with seasonal planters making their appearance as part of the Louth Active Travel Scheme.
Arriving in time for the summer holidays, the bespoke ‘Parklet’ units are to be placed in Mercer Row with the wooden seating units an inviting element of the ATF.
Because of the new seats, visitors enjoying the pedestrianised area in the town will have more opportunities to stop and rest, taking in more of the area’s variety of unique traders, services and food outlets.
Parking bays in the area have now been switched from Mercer Row to the marketplace for further access to banks and to encourage more engagement with the pedestrianised area during non-market days.
With more disabled parking now than was previously available, Mercer Row and the seating units will be a crucial part of the access to the pedestrian space which is designed to encourage people towards businesses and services in Mercer Row and Cornmarket.
Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways said: “This is great news that the Parklet seating units will be here in time for the summer holidays.
"As part of the ongoing Active Travel Scheme in the beautiful town of Louth, these bespoke items that combine comfortable seating with flower planters will be a valuable addition to the area.
“As we continue working with Louth into this 18-month trial scheme for a sustainable and bright future for the town I want to again underline the point that we will continue to listen carefully to what residents and businesses tell us is, and isn’t, working.
"We will then consider the feedback and act accordingly.
“The Active Travel Scheme is at the forefront of what we are doing across the county in sustainability terms.
"The scheme is developed around a series of positive changes to boost audiences for businesses and meet the needs of one of our most beautiful and welcoming Lincolnshire towns.”
ACTIVE TRAVEL SCEME IN NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE
UPDATE 21ST JULY 2022.
North East Lincolnshire Council and its regeneration partner, EQUANS, has been awarded £264,000 funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) to support the delivery of high-quality pedestrian and cycle infrastructure near Grimsby town centre.
The purpose of this new infrastructure is to make it safer and more convenient for local residents to choose active travel, such as walking and cycling, for short local journeys. This supports accessibility to key education, training and employment sites, as well as supporting sustainable access to retail and leisure opportunities in Grimsby town centre.
The grant from the DfT is supported by a further £132,000 of funding through the council’s approved Local Transport Plan (LTP) capital programme for 2022/23. In total, there will be £396,000 to deliver all schemes.
Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport, said “I am delighted that the council has secured this funding from the Department for Transport. When we receive funding, we always aim to identify schemes that will bring about the biggest improvements to residents and businesses. We want to improve active travel opportunities for the people of North East Lincolnshire.”
The programme will support a number of schemes including road safety and walking and cycling improvements in the area.
UPDATE 21ST JULY 2022.
Have your say on improvements to Great Coates Road / A1136
This project, which is part of the Active Travel Fund Tranche 2, will see the widening of the footpath to create a shared cycleway/footpath, an upgraded crossing point near St Michael’s Church and carriageway resurfacing.
The objectives of the project are to provide new, safer off-road facilities for cyclists, increase cycling and walking activity in the area and provide safer access to schools and businesses.
The survey can be accessed here: www.nelincs.gov.uk/have-your-say
Deadline: Friday 29 July
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UPDATE 10TH AUGUST 2022.
Louth Active Travel Scheme:
Still no sign of the 'Parklets' and Mercer Row disabled bays reinstated!
(leaving less than 100 m of double yellow marking as the only visible signs from the tens of thousands of pounds spent on the Active Travel Mercer Road Scheme)
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The county council reinstated two disabled bays on Mercer Row in Louth in the evening of the 9th August.
Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “As part of the initial changes we made to Louth’s town centre as part of our Active Travel trial, we temporarily removed two disabled bays on Mercer Row to make extra space on the road.
“However, following the feedback we’ve received from local people, one of our highways teams visited Louth yesterday evening to reinstate these two bays so blue-badge holders can park on Mercer Row again.
“We are, and will continue, listening to what residents and businesses tell us about this project. I also want to stress that this is and remains an experimental trial, and, before making any decisions about whether to make any of these changes permanent, we will engage with local people.
“In the meantime, we will continue adjusting this fluid and flexible trial as we go, hopefully striking a balance that works for everyone and helps create a sustainable and bright future for Louth.”
For more information about this project, please visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/activetravel. You can also share your feedback about the scheme by emailed activetravel@lincolnshire.gov.uk.
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UPDATE 26TH AUGUST 2022.
Louth Active Travel Scheme Parklets
Continuing the trial scheme in Louth sees the first two seating units have been installed.
With crews working across two evenings, the new Parklet seating units have been successfully put on-site in Louth’s Mercer Row as part of the 18-month-long trial Active Travel Scheme.
This is the first time these Parklets have been seen in the UK and Louth is the first location in the country to get them.
Two different styles of the self-contained seating units are so far in place with one of the units featuring three reclining-style long seats whilst the other uses a combination of bench seats and stools that serve a bar-like table. Both Parklets also have a planter in situ which are being planted with aromatic plants.
The first Parklet was installed on the Louth route on Tuesday evening (23rd August) with the second unit put in place and constructed on Wednesday evening (24th August). The work crew left the site at 10.30pm Wednesday night.
Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways said: “We are pleased to have the Parklets in Louth.
“These are the latest elements on what is the ongoing trial period for a sustainable future for the market town. As part of the Active Travel Scheme plan outlined by Government, we are trying various options to see which works best to encourage people to dwell for longer and fully appreciate and use the businesses and services that Louth has to offer.
“We understand that these Parklets are somewhat controversial but whilst our installation was happening, we experienced first-hand a pretty even split of ideas and support about the scheme as a whole and the Parklets in particular.
“Throughout the installation we had several groups of people using the Parklets as soon as they were able to, with some returning to them throughout the evening to make the most of having somewhere to sit and rest before continuing their night out in the town.
“The early signs from people in the town who interacted with us were that, on the whole, the Parklets are a good idea and will be used as intended. This is very encouraging, and we hope that once a short period of time has passed and more people give them a try, these seats become a useful addition to the shoppers and residents of Louth.
“We remain open to all feedback on not only this element but the entire 18-month-long trial scheme for Louth. As it is a trial, we know that elements of it are very fluid and we are constantly reviewing what works and what needs a tweak here and there.”
There has since been much publicity about the parklets with a vociferous minority criticising the installment. However, a photograph taken on Friday 26th August seems to show that the seats are being used.
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UPDATE 29TH SEPTEMBER 2022.
Louth Active Travel Scheme Parklets
Vandals damaged one of the 'Parklets' on Monday 12th September but this was quickly repaired by LCC the following day. Sadly, one of the parklets was yet again vandalised on Wednesday 28th September. Local shopkeepers and members of Louth Town Council deny that they were responsible. Reminiscent of the dark days in the Netherlands when cycling infrastructure was being introduced and deliberately sabotaged by vehement detractors.
The damaged seats have been taken to a depot for Lincolnshire County Council’s team to investigate the damage caused. Councillor Richard Davies, executive member for highways said: "Vandalising the units is simply unacceptable". Hopefully, the seating will be replaced very soon.
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UPDATE 12TH OCTOBER 2022.
Louth Active Travel Scheme Parklets
Opponents to the Louth Active Travel Scheme Parklets installed on Mercer Row have vandalised the seats for a fourth time.
The words painted in white appeared along the town’s high street Monday night, 10th-11th October, and included “£62,000” with an arrow to the parklet (four were purchased for that as the total cost, only two have been installed so far), “CIII (Charles Third) would hate these”, “£5,000 a seat” and “We are Louth” with an arrow-pierced heart below it.
The latest incident is the fourth in a series of events which have seen the parklets damaged, with seating removed and the wooden bases left without their key features. Local shopkeepers and members of Louth Town Council continue to deny that they were responsible.
Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways said: “This is a terrible way to behave. Whoever is responsible has defaced a public road and further drawn the reputation of Louth publicly downwards.
“It is this that residents and potential visitors to the area will see and remember. These actions are not acceptable, and we won’t tolerate vandalism to public property.
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UPDATE 1ST JULY 2022.
A hugely popular Scunthorpe walking and cycling route opens after £500,000 levelling-up cash injection popular cycling route has been further extended, meaning even more people across Scunthorpe.an safely access jobs, education and leisure.
The Scunthorpe Ridgeway – just part of hundreds of miles of cycle paths available across North Lincolnshire – has been extended from Burringham Road to Hammerton Road, expanding access across the town from north to south.
It is part of the biggest ever investment in walking and cycling networks in North Lincolnshire which now stretch the length and breadth of the county. The network is designed to boost connectivity and enable more residents to enjoy the health benefits of cleaner and greener travel.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “It’s brilliant to see the extension to Scunthorpe Ridgeway completed, it will make a huge difference for many people to travel the length of Scunthorpe safely.
“We all want a greener, more sustainable North Lincolnshire. Prioritising clean transport and investing in even more walking and cycle routes is a key part of our ambition to achieve net zero by 2030.
“While there are miles and miles of cycle paths across the region, we want to go even further and we have a long term plan for Scunthorpe Ridgeway to extend it even further to Bottesford Beck allowing more residents to take full advantage of the route.”
The Government provided the grant funding, via Sustrans, which was match funded by the council.
The extension to the Ridgeway is 3.5 metres wide and almost a mile long, providing plenty of space for both cyclists and walkers. It will be lit along its route to make it accessible at all times.
Gwyneth McMinn, Head of Network Development (England, Midlands and East) at Sustrans, added: “It’s brilliant to see Scunthorpe Ridgeway extended and open for everyone to enjoy.
“Making active travel routes like this accessible to everyone and safer to use, goes such a long way to helping people to make an everyday or leisure journey by active means.
“This brings us one step closer to a National Cycle Network that is safer and more accessible for everyone.”
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Featured image shows, from left to right: Cllr Margaret Armiger, Scunthorpe MP Holly Mumby-Croft, Cllr Janet Longcake, Cllr John Davison and Gwyneth McMinn, Head of Network Development (England, Midlands and East) at Sustrans.
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UPDATE 29th SEPTEMBER 2022.
New Scunthorpe cycle path to connect landmarks.
Cyclists will soon be able to travel safely between key facilities in Scunthorpe, thanks to a huge injection of levelling-up cash.
More than £100,000 of Government cash will be invested to create the new route, which connects Frances Street with Lloyds Avenue via a route that passes the train station, The Pods, University Campus North Lincolnshire, and Central Park.
It is the latest phase of the council’s multi-million pound transformation of North Lincolnshire’s cycle network, and follows the £500,000 extension to the hugely popular Scunthorpe Ridgeway route, which opened earlier this summer.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said:
“This is a hugely welcome addition to the miles and miles of walking and cycling paths that already exist across North Lincolnshire and will help many more people travel from the north to the south of Scunthorpe safely.
“We are shifting up the gears to achieve net zero by 2030 and making record investments in the county’s walking and cycling infrastructure is a huge part of this push.
“We want to inspire thousands more residents to leave the car at home and access the health and environmental benefits of using clean, green forms of transport to make more journeys.”
Work is expected to start on the new cycle route this autumn, which will also include the installation of special parallel crossings, making it safer for cyclists and pedestrians to cross the highway.
Parallel crossings will be installed on the new route.
Designs are already being drawn up to extend the new path even further, along Ashby Road and Messingham Road to Bottesford Beck, enabling more residents to access employment, education and leisure facilities more conveniently.
Longer term plans will also see Central Park connected to the Ridgeway via Kingsway, as well as new routes in Brigg and Barton.
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ACTIVE TRAVEL SCEME IN NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE
UPDATE 13th OCTOBER 2022.
Improvements to Great Coates Road / A1136
Survey closed on 8 August 2022.
This project, which is part of the Active Travel Fund Tranche 2, aims to see the widening of the footpath to create a shared cycleway/footpath, an upgraded crossing point near St Michael’s Church and carriageway resurfacing.
The survey formed one of the first stages on the new scheme and is used to gauge initial feedback to help to influence the final design. Tim Newbery attended the meeting and the results are now available in the
ATF 2 Public Consultation Report (PDF, 107KB) . The scheme has sadly been scaled back with worries over tree preservation. The parallel crossing is however to go ahead and will be the first to be installed in NE Lincolnshire.
