A NEW cycle path linking Thornbury and Alveston has been given planning permission, despite concerns it could cause anti-social behaviour.
The two-way cycle track, with segregated footpath, is intended to provide a safer alternative to the steep, narrow and bending road at Alveston Hill, allowing people to walk or cycle from Alveston to Thornbury Leisure Centre safely.
Construction is expected to start next spring.
But some South Gloucestershire councillors criticised the plans, with one saying it would be used as “racetrack” by electric scooter riders.
A neighbour living next to the route also raised concerns about security.
The council’s development management committee narrowly voted on July 4 to approve planning permission for the path, which is 712 metres – just under half a mile – long.
Andy Whitehead, from the council’s transport department, said: “Many people can’t drive and rely on parents or other people to drive them around, and this particularly impacts young people.
“Cycling is a very cheap and reliable mode of transport, which has huge benefits on health and the environment.
“Many people don’t consider it a viable option, citing most often that it’s too dangerous to cycle on our roads.
“This proposal seeks to address that, providing a safe, comfortable and attractive alternative to Alveston Hill. This is a distance that many people can and will travel if the conditions are right.”
The plans received support from cycling campaigners, who said the B4061 Alveston Hill is dangerous and unpleasant to cycle or walk on, with cars frequently coming fast around narrow bends.
But the plans also sparked some concerns among locals.
Security worries
Resident Nancy North said: “My husband and I aren’t opposed to the route in principle, we’re keen cyclists and recognise the health and safety benefits to the wider community.
“Our major concern is security.
“Avon and Somerset Police have raised concerns about the risk of anti-social behaviour along the route, and especially around the seating areas.”
Conservative councillor Paul Hughes (Bitton & Oldland Common) said: “Who the hell is going to go up there on a daily basis, unless they happen to be Chris Froome?
“You’ll have people using it as a leisure thing with youths and all sorts of people flying up and down that hill using it as a racetrack.”
Afterwards council cabinet member for transport Chris Willmore said: “The current situation on Alveston Hill for people walking, wheeling or cycling is perilous, as well as being precarious for motorists who encounter someone cycling on those steep bends.
“Creating safe off-road facilities like this new greenway will help encourage more people to consider active travel for local journeys, which will help reduce traffic on our busy roads, improving air quality and the local area.”
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service