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Two new local cycle routes open to residents

Two new, off-road cycling and walking paths have been opened to residents.

The first is a brand new, purpose built path in Plymstock that links Broxton Drive to Saltram Meadow roundabout

It runs parallel to Billacombe Road along the route of the old railway line and is an extension to the current route that stretches back over Laira Rail Bridge.

The other, in Milehouse, is the significant upgrade and widening of an existing path that runs between Somerset Place and Ponsonby Road.

The path has been widened and resurfaced with new lighting installed to make the path safer and more attractive to walk and cycle to Central Park and the Life Centre from Stoke and other neighbourhoods to the south and west of the park.

The completion of both these schemes contributes to actions 2.21 and 2.22 of the Council's Climate Emergency Action Plan.

Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet member for Transport, said: "I am so pleased to see these two routes open and hope that they will get lots of use this summer and beyond.

“Encouraging the use of sustainable transport is so important to our fight against climate change and so I hope these will be the first of many schemes of their kind, that cater for both experienced cyclists and those either returning to, or getting on a bike for the first time.”

Both routes have received funding from the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund, which was awarded in January 2019 to help increase investment in sustainable transport.

In addition, the scheme at Broxton Drive was also funded by the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, thanks to successful funding bids by the council, as well as developer contributions.

Karl Tucker, chair of the Heart of the South West LEP, said: "Really good news to see the scheme progressing so well. The cycling improvements in Plymstock will help improve connectivity within the city and provide more traffic-free options through green spaces and safer crossings whether people are travelling by foot or bike. 

"We are delighted that the Heart of the South West LEP has been able to support this project through Growth Deal funding, which will help reduce the traffic congestion and CO2 emissions in line with our clean and inclusive growth objectives."