The West Berkshire Cycle Forum met on Tuesday 15 October.
Like many local authorities WBC is continuing to work on existing projects as they wait to see what funding the new government will provide for active travel budgets.
Reimagining the Kennet & Avon Canal
The Greenham Trust is working in partnership with West Berkshire Council, the Canal & River Trust, and Sustrans to transform 23 miles of the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath through West Berkshire.
This section runs from the boundary with Reading, close to Southcote Mill, to the border with Wiltshire west of Hungerford.
The ambitious upgrade plans, which are already underway, are likely to cost in the region of £20m and take around 10 years to complete.
Details can be found on the Greenham Trust website: https://greenhamtrust.com/canal/
A329 Pangbourne to Purley Cycle Path
The proposed route of the path will run north of the A329 on land owned by Sulham Estates from the Sulham Brook to the first group of buildings in Purley.
It has been agreed that a topographical survey of the route should be carried out. This is likely to be in Spring 2025.
Theale-Calcot Connector Motorway Footbridge
The newly elected MP, Olivia Bailey, has been contacted to gain her support for a new bridge.
Theale 20mph Zone
A pilot scheme in Theale will see multiple speed limits across the town reduce from 30mph to 20mph on most residential roads.
The new scheme began on 11 October 2024 and will also include three main roads changing their speed limits from either 40mph or the national speed limit to 30mph. If successful, this may determine whether it should be extended to other villages and residential areas across Reading and West Berkshire.
Research carried out by TRL shows that 20 mph zones are an effective way to reduce the frequency and severity of injury accidents mainly through reducing traffic speeds. The number of killed and seriously injured casualties was shown to have reduced by around 57% and the frequency of injury accidents by around 42%.
If there are any matters you want raised at the Forum contact Rob Hill, wbc@readingcyclecampaign.org.uk
Rob Hill
WBC Campaigner for RCC
