CYCLING group, Westbury Wheelers, say much much more needs to be done in the area by Wiltshire Council to ensure the safety of cyclists.
Wiltshire Council has recently bid for government funding to make improvements for cyclists in Trowbridge, but Westbury Wheelers say that roads should be made safer for cyclists across the area.
Last month, the cycling club made a presentation to Westbury Town Council asking for better cycling provision, especially with the busy A350 running through the town which they say is too dangerous for cyclists. Westbury Wheelers are currently campaigning for safer roads in the area to encourage more people to ‘get out’ and cycle including teaching younger people to ride.
The town council welcomed the club’s input and invited representatives to discuss their ideas at the next Neighbourhood Plan team meeting.
Since then, Wiltshire Council has announced that it has submitted a bid for £6million to the Department for Transport to help address traffic congestion in Trowbridge and improve infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists and buses on the Longfield roundabout.
This would include improving the pedestrian and cycle network, creating linked-up routes between the town centre and surrounding areas to improve the safety of people and cyclists by segregating them from vehicles and providing safe crossing points.
Westbury Wheelers welcomed the news but said much much more needs to be done.
Grace Shephard, Westbury Wheelers’ chair said, “We have a specific interest in encouraging young people to our club as well as those who are keen to ride but find it too daunting in light of the road conditions and lack of cycle paths.
“We’re pleased that Wiltshire Council are planning to upgrade the Longfield roundabout but much, much more needs to be done. We feel that children should be able to cycle to school safely and similarly commuters should have a viable option of cycling to work.
“Westbury Wheelers will continue to follow this story closely and are keen to use our cycling expertise to assist local authorities in the development of improvements to the Wiltshire cycling infrastructure.”
Cllr Bridget Wayman, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for highways and transport said, “We have submitted a strong bid for funding from the government’s ‘pinch point’ fund to improve Trowbridge’s Longfield roundabout for the benefit of all road users in the town.
“If we’re successful, it will make a positive difference to walkers, cyclists, public transport and drivers in Trowbridge, improving links between the town centre and housing developments, and helping to support economic growth.”
