Three active travel schemes selected for development and public consultation
This is one of three Active Travel schemes selected for development. We would like you to have your say on our proposals so that your feedback can inform the final scheme designs.
Please use the following links to learn more about each scheme and have your say:
Use this page to have your say on the proposed improvements to walking, wheeling and cycling between North Road and Ralph Allen School in Bath.
A new shared use path from North Road to Ralph Allen School in Bath (also known as Ralph Allen Active Travel Link) is one of three schemes selected for development. The schemes are currently at feasibility stage, and we want your feedback to aid the following steps.
What we're proposing to do
The Ralph Allen Link creates a new public right of way for wheeling and cycling across Free Fields and Fairy Wood, providing a traffic-free route between residential areas with schools. The scheme will also connect to the eastern section of Scholars’ Way, towards the University of Bath.
The route will enable those walking, wheeling and cycling to avoid North Road and Claverton Down Road, creating a more enjoyable, safer and accessible environment.
Improvements will include the following:
- a new, hard-surfaced path through Free Fields, along the route of the existing footpath
- the replacement of existing steps within Free Fields with a ramp, for improved accessibility
- a new, hard-surfaced route (along the second section, through Fairy Wood) next to the existing path, to the north of the Bath Clinic
View the proposals on a map
To understand the locations of the proposed improvements, please view our proposals on a map.
What we hope to achieve
- Greater connectivity between proposed active travel schemes in the south of Bath
- Providing safe, accessible and enjoyable walking, wheeling and cycling routes
- Adding infrastructure to enable active travel for children travelling to and from school
- Increasing the safety for those choosing sustainable methods of transport
Have your say
Your input is crucial in ensuring we can explore a scheme which fits our community’s need. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions.
If you would like to respond to our proposals to create a new public right of way for wheeling and cycling across Free Fields and Fairy Wood, you can have your say by completing our online form.
Attend a drop-in event
We're holding drop-in events for you to learn more about the scheme.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 10 March | 5.15pm to 7pm | The Paragon School, Lyncombe Vale, Bath, BA2 4LT (Music Lodge) |
| Tuesday 11 March | 5.30pm to 7pm | The Lee Centre, Ralph Allen School, Claverton Down Road, Bath, BA2 7AD |
Next steps
When this consultation closes, we will review your feedback and make any necessary changes to the schemes. We will then put the schemes forward for capital funding.
Why walking, wheeling 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.
View the Active Travel Masterplan page to find out more.