Council seeks views on two new cycling and walking schemes

Wiltshire Council wants to hear from residents and businesses on two new proposed cycling schemes in the county.

The first of the two new cycling schemes is intended to link Hilperton to Melksham via Semington, removing the need for cyclists to travel on the road of this section of the A361. There are two possible routes for people to comment on: both routes would start at Hilperton, with a closure on Devizes Road, and a length of shared-use path on the north side of the A361. The first route would then follow the A361 to Semington; the second route would access via byways 21 and 22 through to St George's Road in Semington. Both routes would then follow along Semington High Street and towards Melksham before reaching the A350.

The second proposed scheme is an Easton Lane cycle link between Chippenham and Corsham that would see the prohibition of motor vehicles on Easton Lane at the bridge over the A350, removing through traffic and creating a light traffic route, before linking with the Wiltshire Cycleway.

Both of the proposals have already been subject to consultation and received widespread general support, but the council now wants to hear people's views on the specifics of the schemes.

Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "We have received £681,000 from the Department for Transport's Active Travel Fund to improve cycling and walking routes in Wiltshire.

"The two proposed cycling routes have already been subject to a wider consultation on cycle schemes in the county, and they received widespread support, but we now want to hear people's views on the proposals, to see if there is anything we can do to improve them.

"I'd urge anyone with an interest in the two proposals, and people with an interest in modes of travel in the county, whether that is motoring, cycling or walking, to take the survey to let us know their views.

"We know that cycling and walking bring many benefits to health, air quality and carbon reduction, and we are looking to implement more schemes in Wiltshire to make it easier for people to choose active travel where they can."

The engagement ends at 23:59 on 18 July. To find out more and take the survey, go to New active travel schemes.