Cycle lane scrapped in favour of roads under new proposals backing drivers

The move has been recommended to councillors on the authority's Traffic Management Sub-Committee after transport officers concluded the cycling infrastructure no longer reflects demand on the local network.

The two-lane cycle route was originally introduced as a temporary measure during the Covid-19 pandemic after councils received Government funding aimed at boosting "active travel" and allowing social distancing on roads.

Officials have now warned that the lane has remained mainly underused, partly because a lack of funding has failed to connect the road to other cycling routes.

Under the new proposal, space currently given over to bikes would instead be reallocated to traffic lanes feeding into the town centre, in a move the council says will help manage pressure on one of Reading's busiest corridors.

The preferred option would keep a short stretch of southbound cycle lane south of the South Street junction down to London Road, but expand capacity for vehicles elsewhere.

The redesign would allow two lanes of traffic entering Sidmouth Street from London Road, increasing to three lanes between South Street and Queens Road - including one lane turning left and two lanes turning right.

Council officers detailed how the changes were necessary to prepare for another transport scheme in the area, with the new bus lane on London Road pushing extra vehicles onto neighbouring streets.

Councillor John Ennis, the council's lead member for climate strategy and transport, defended the proposals and said the authority must make the "best possible use" of limited road space.

He said: "There is a lot of pressure on the road network around Reading, and this is one of the busiest routes in the town.

"The council is always reviewing the transport network, and it makes sense to ensure we are making the best possible use of the road space we have.

"Due to the lack of funding available to connect the existing Sidmouth Street cycle lane to other routes, it is understandably underused, and there is a decent alternative nearby provision well-used by cyclists."

He added that the changes would allow the council to cope with any traffic displacement caused by the planned bus lane.

Mr Ennis shared: "This change will retain some cycle provision but also increase capacity to cope with any displaced traffic as a result of the new bus lane due to be introduced on London Road."

The London Road bus lane forms part of wider transport measures funded through the Government-backed Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Six new bus lanes were approved by the council in January 2024 as part of the £26million scheme aimed at improving local transport and cutting journey times.

However, a date has not yet been set for the introduction of the London Road bus lane between Sidmouth Street and London Street.

Official council document detailed: "Regarding the loss of cycle provision as a result of this proposal, Officers have considered whether this change could be expected to have a significant impact onActive Travel opportunities in the area."

At the meeting this week, councillors agreed to launch an initial consultation on the changes before any final decision is announced.