New cycle route on the path to success (From Swindon Advertiser)

New cycle route on the path to success

9:30am Friday 22nd March 2013 in News By Stephanie Tye

Buy this photo » Sharon Brentnall, Sustrans schools 'Bike It' officer, Ben Spencer, Sustrans, Access to Stations coordinator, and Claire Fleming of Swindon Council

IT MAY have been a brisk morning, but that didn’t stop dozens of commuters, families and dog walkers from taking advantage of a new cycle path – and their reward was a free breakfast.

Sustrans, in conjunction with Swindon Council, officially launched the new, traffic-free path, which runs along Highworth Road, yesterday morning.

The new route, which has been provided with Big Lottery funding, will transform the commute to South Marston Business Park, which has previously been too dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians to use due to heavy traffic.

And plenty of people were making the most of it.

Hannah Escott, Sustrans project officer for Access to Stations, said the launch had been a real success.

“This new path links the amazing cycle network in Swindon to South Marston Business Park and will help promote cycling and walking.

“This is a busy road with huge lorries doing 50mph and so many people did not feel safe walking or cycling along it, which has now all changed.

“It has been much busier than we expected and everyone has been really appreciative.”

The new route, which is part of more than 100km of cycle pathways across the town, also features a portrait bench, which commemorates various local heroes from the community.

The bench celebrates the town’s history with metal figures of an airman (in tribute to Vickers Armstrong Aircraft factory), a railway worker and a brewery worker (in honour of Arkells).

Coun Keith Williams, cabinet member for leisure and strategic transport, said: “This new stretch of path is an excellent addition to the comprehensive network around Swindon and has come about through brilliant co-operation between local businesses, Sustrans, residents and the council.”

If you would like to find out more about how you can walk, cycle or bus to work, Sustrans can provide free tailor-made information.

Call on 01793 600720 or email swindon@sustrans.org.uk

Sustrans is holding a public event to launch its Access to Stations Project on April 11.

The event runs from 5pm until 7.30pm at Steam, and will include presentations from Malcolm Shepherd, the chief executive of Sustrans, and Mark Hopwood, the managing director of First Great Western.

It is a chance for people across the town to help shape the future of the rail station and how it is accessed.

For more information, or to book your place, email swindon@sustrans.org.uk or call 01793 600720.