Could YOU help link Westerleigh to the National Cycle Network?

Work is under way on the section of cycle path from Westerleigh to the M4 bridge (the part from Yate to Westerleigh will follow afterwards). Volunteers are needed to work one day a week to help prepare, lay and construct the dust path, assisting South Gloucestershire council's Streetcare team of contractors.

The work parties are every Sunday, with the next one being held this Sunday 11th November from 9am until 4pm. If you can't attend for the whole day, the volunteers would be very grateful for whatever time you can spare - be it just for a couple of hours or maybe a morning or afternoon shift. You would be made most welcome.

Thanks to those volunteers who have already given their time to the project and helped lay the first 150 yards of path. Phase 1, Pucklechurch Coxgrove Hill to the M4 bridge, was a great success and was enjoyed by all the volunteers who took part, and it's hoped to replicate this success for Phase 2.

Work includes spreading and laying path dust surface prior to rolling. Some rubbish clearance of the path is also needed.

It's moderately hard work, but fun and very rewarding. You will be helping to build a fantastic local community resource for the future.

If you would like to join this cheerful band of volunteers, please call Matt Skidmore on 07553 052183, or email him on laumat@btinternet.com for more details.

The rendezvous point for workers to meet in the morning is the level crossing next to the Network Rail depot off Westerleigh Road, via Murco Oil Depot entrance. For more detailed directions please contact Matt on the number above.

Work will be between the hours of 0900 until 1600hrs. You will be made most welcome and your services would be put to good use to further this exciting local project. Please wear sturdy workwear boots and old clothes/overalls.

Update on Westerleigh-Yate cycle path

A South Glos representative told the latest meeting of the Joint Cycleways Group that negotiations are still ongoing with Network Rail, whose consent is essential - several parts of the route are on their land. They have agreed verbally but South Glos are still waiting for Network Rail to send them the conditions they have to agree to.

To add to this delay, certain parts of the work can't legally be done in the bird nesting season, which isn't over yet.

South Glos reckon that they should be able to do the first part of the route, from the Cox Hill end towards Westerleigh, this summer. They're aiming to do the second part into Yate in summer next year. The next meeting of the Joint Cycleway Group is in early October, but we'll put updates here as and when we hear anything.

Cycling City - route via Westerleigh and into the future

Detailed design work for the Cycle Path / Footpath from Yate to the Railway Path via Westerleigh is underway, including an appraisal of the Nibley Lane junction, and the planning application will be submitted shortly. Cycling City is aiming for the first phase (Railway Path to Westerleigh) to begin as soon as possible and be completed by October 2010.

Cycling England are hoping the project will be extended for another 3 years in 2011 and local councils are starting to consider future potential projects. Initial “strategic routes” being suggested are:

• Yate/Sodbury to the north fringe and linking to the cycling network at Winterbourne;


• Yate/Sodbury to Pucklechurch;


• Yate/Sodbury to Wickwar;
  

Another ambition is to identify a route from Chipping Sodbury to Yate, to be accessible to cyclists and users of mobility scooters.

Can you suggest any other strategic routes or links that need to be provided in the area? Please let us have your ideas.

Cycling City exhibition

Yesterday Claire Young attended the Yate Spur Cycling City drop-in event at the Shire Way Community Centre. The route remains largely unchanged since the last event in Westerleigh and comments from that event will be taken into account with the ones made at this latest exhibition.

Safety at the Nibley Lane junction is still a concern and some residents had heard that the Council was planning to make Nibley Lane one way only. Officers yesterday told Claire there are no firm proposals on that yet and have promised to get back to her with more information.

Don't forget - Cycle City event tomorrow

If you would like to see the plans for the new cycle route linking Mangotsfield to Yate, drop in to the Shire Way Community Centre in Yate between 1.30pm and 7.30pm tomorrow (Tuesday). For more information, see the consultation online.

Would your organisation like a free cycle stand (or four)?

Life Cycle UK in conjunction with SGC are running the “Take-a-stand” scheme. This provides local community groups, small shops and businesses up to 4 cycle stands for free (the organisation has to install them). If you are interested, see http://www.lifecycleuk.org.uk/cycle-parking where you can download an application.

Cycling City exhibition - route via Westerleigh

A public exhibition is planned on Tuesday 13th October 2009 between 1.30pm and 7.30pm at Shire Way Community Centre, Yate showing details of the proposed new cycle route between Station Road, Yate and the end of the existing Bristol and Bath Railway Path at Coxgrove Hill.

More information on the proposals can be found online.

Don't forget - Cycle City drop-in event today!

Last year South Glos and Bristol were named England's first "Cycling city". Government funding totalling £11.4 million has been awarded to make cycling attractive to more people. This funding will be matched by Bristol and South Glos councils and their partners.

One route being looked at is the "Yate spur" linking the Bristol-Bath Railway Path and the Avon Cycleway to Yate. Local Councillor Claire Young has arranged for a drop-in session to be held today (Thursday 18th June) from 2pm to 7pm in Westerleigh Village Hall.