Travel by bike or scooter is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to move around. It contributes to both physical health and mental wellbeing, whilst also encouraging the use of community destinations and local amenities. E-bikes now also provide a great solution for cycling up some of Bath’s steeper hills, opening up the whole of the city.
Nearly all sustainable journeys start and end with walking, cycling or scooting – so ensuring this is a safe, attractive, convenient option is a top priority for us. Once the car has been left at home, other car journeys become much less likely.
Progress so far
Travelling on foot is more popular in Bath than many cities of a similar size. The city centre is widely pedestrianised, making it easy for people to meet, shop, and access amenities by walking. For those travelling by bike or scooter, there are several links to the National Cycle Network, including the Two Tunnels, Bristol and Bath Railway Path, Colliers Way and the Kennet and Avon Canal Path.
During the lockdowns caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, many people took up, or rediscovered, cycling and walking. It grew in popularity, as a way to get daily exercise, but also to avoid crowded public transport systems.
Current challenges
For pedestrians
Despite having many streets which are very pedestrian-friendly, walking routes around Bath City Centre often run alongside, or are crossed by, roads congested with motor vehicles. This creates inconsistencies for people who want to make their journey on foot.
Outside the city centre, Bath still feels like a car-dominated city. This is partly due to heavy traffic, and partly because the city has wide streets and narrow pavements, meaning that there is much more space for motor vehicles than pedestrians.
For riders of bikes and scooters
If you want to ride, scoot or wheel your way around, Bath’s hills can be a challenge. There is still a shortage of cycle routes, especially in the north of the city. This fragments the network, and creates an inconsistent experience for people wishing to ride, scoot or wheel. These factors may be the reason why fewer Bath residents cycle to work than in many cities of a similar size.
What you've told us
In response to our consultation in early 2021, more than half of people felt it was important to support and enable cycling. Providing routes separated from traffic, both into and within the city, were the most supported ideas.
What this new plan means for you
Our vision
We want to reduce the intrusion of vehicles, to enable a bike- and pedestrian-friendly city.
Improved safety and security
- Separating those travelling by bike or scooter and those on foot from cars and other traffic will allow safer travel on the same routes, remove the potential for conflict and reduce incidents of intimidation by large vehicles.
- Safe, convenient, and direct cycle routes from the surrounding areas into the city will provide access to Bath’s facilities for those living outside the city.
- Secure, on-street cycle storage at key destinations across the city will allow you to park your bike with confidence.
- We aim to make cycling easier, more convenient and more secure in residential areas, by converting single car parking spaces into on-street bike lockers.
Access, convenience, and wellbeing
- More walking and cycling will improve physical and mental health and wellbeing, avoiding congestion for less stressful journeys, or parking challenges.
- Reduced traffic in the city centre will allow the creation of safe and attractive outside space for walking, shopping and socialising, with safer and more convenient road crossings.
- An improved environment will boost tourism and inject revenue into the regional economy.
- Opportunities to share, buy and lease bikes and e-bikes, with financial support (where practical), will make cycling accessible for more people.
Find out more
To learn more about parts of the plan which will benefit you in particular, you may want to explore the following sections.
Themes
- Providing for travel by bike and on foot
- Creating improved spaces to live and work
- Cleaner, greener school travel