Use this page to find out about the proposed improvements to the walking, wheeling and cycling links between Midsomer Norton and Westfield.
Project and strategy context
We aim to provide more travel choices for everyone. As part of our Corporate Strategy, we want to make walking, wheeling, and cycling safer, more convenient and accessible, while helping to reduce congestion and improve air quality.
Bath Quays Links (BQL) is an initiative designed to help make walking, wheeling and cycling easier, and more enjoyable, in central Bath. It is one of several CRSTS (City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements) projects being developed in Bath. It will work alongside other transport strategy initiatives in the city, to support our community's travel choices.
Its focus is the walking and cycling bridge across the River Avon which opened in 2022, providing improved access for the Quays developments and into other areas of the city and beyond.
Previous public engagement
We previously consulted on proposed active travel facilities to connect the new bridge at the Bath Quays development into the existing network in 2022.
What we're proposing to do
Select a road from the list below to read in detail what we plan to do.
We're planning to provide:
- A new two-way cycle lane on the west side of Green Park Road. It will be at the same level as the carriageway but separated by kerbs, providing a safe environment for cycling and maintaining a footway for pedestrians. The scheme will integrate with proposals for a two-way cycle lane on the west side of Charles St (part of the Bath City Centre project) and proposals for a two-way cycle lane on the west side of Queens Square (part of the Bath Walking, Wheeling and Cycling project)
- a new zebra crossing adjacent to Quays Bridge
- reallocation of existing zebra crossings for bus stop bypass, which routes people behind the area to separate from traffic
We're planning to provide:
- new cycle lanes on both sides of the road between Westmoreland Road and Oak Street, including bus stop bypasses to route cycles behind bus stops.
- a new toucan crossing – a type of crossing for both walking and cycling - east of Westmoreland Road
- conversion of the pedestrian crossing next to Aquila Court into a toucan crossing
- regrading of the carriageway and footways between Westmoreland Road and Oak Street with drainage improvements to reduce flooding
We're planning to provide:
- widening of cycle lanes and footways
View the proposals on a map
Our current proposals affect the area highlighted in blue on this map of the Bath Cycle Network.
We are constantly working to create and improve the network to make it easier and safer to get around the city using modes of active travel.
Key project aims
- Providing safe, accessible and enjoyable walking, wheeling and cycling routes
- Adding walking infrastructure to enable active travel
- Increasing safety for those choosing sustainable methods of transport
- Linking up to existing and planned cycling networks in the city
How Bath Quays Links connect to the wider network
The new scheme elements offer the following links into existing or planned networks:
- Direct interfaces with:
- Bath City Centre project at Green Park Road/Charles Street
- Bath Quays North development
- Connectivity links with:
- Somer Valley Links at the Churchill gyratory
- National Cycling Network route 4 and the proposed route to Weston, via Bath City Centre and Bath Walking, Wheeling and Cycling schemes
- Bath Riverline (towpath)
- Green Park Green Space project
- Future opportunities for walking, wheeling and cycling improvements to the west and east on Lower Bristol Road and Claverton Street
Why walking and cycling are important
We need to make walking, wheeling and cycling the natural choice for a lot more of our journeys. Currently, over a third of car trips across Bath and North East Somerset are less than 5km.
The importance of walking, wheeling, and cycling, or ‘active travel’ as an affordable and accessible mode of transport has become increasingly apparent over recent years.
The benefits of active travel are extensive - from improving air quality to ensuring healthier places and people. By enabling more travel options, we can optimise road space for all.
Active Travel Masterplan
The routes are part of our emerging Active Travel Masterplan, a comprehensive plan that sets out the existing and future network of active travel infrastructure. Consultation took place during summer 2024 and aims to enable walking, cycling, and other forms of active travel, ensuring safer, healthier, and more accessible transportation options for everyone. It will support all types of journeys, including commuting, education, leisure, and tourism.
We are currently considering your feedback and plan to publish a project update in early 2025. View the Masterplan consultation page to find out more.
Project timeline
| Date | Stage |
|---|---|
| July to Aug 2023 | Public consultation on draft proposals |
| 2023 to 2024 | Refining of proposals and scheme development |
| Jan 2025 | Complete detailed design |
| Feb 2025 | Submission of Full Business Case to West of England Combined Authority |
| Winter/Spring 2025 | Full Business Case approval |
| Spring/Summer 2025 | Pre-TRO (Traffic Regulation Order) public consultation |
| Summer 2025 | Construction start |
