Haddenham set for new cycleway trial

The three month trial will see a temporary new eastbound cycleway installed from Haddenham and Thame Parkway Station, along Thame Road, Tacks Lane and Banks Lane, to just past its junction with Fort End.

Protective 'bollard wands' will be used between Dollicott and Fort End to improve the safety and attractiveness of the route in this area. In addition, waiting restrictions will be extended to ensure the cycle lane is kept clear of parked vehicles and, where required, the road surface repaired.

As it's not possible to make the cycle lane two-way as part of the trial, cyclists heading towards the station from the village will still use the road as normal.

The cycleway will not extend along Woodways due to the varying road widths, however a 20 mph advisory speed limit will be in place along the entire stretch from the Stanbridge Road junction through to the train station as part of the trial arrangements.

The scheme is part of the Government-led 'Emergency Active Travel' trials designed to help change travel habits in response to the current pandemic. Nationwide, schemes are providing safer routes for walkers and cyclists and also helping make local streets quieter and air quality better.

Buckinghamshire Council Cabinet Member for Transport Nick Naylor said that with the recent rise in levels of cycling, this scheme should prove beneficial to Haddenham residents, businesses and those using the station.

"We're in unique and challenging times," said Nick, "which is why it's so important to look at where we can make travel improvements in our towns and villages. We've got a total of £514,000 of ring-fenced funding to spend on experimental cycleways and quietways across the county to help provide these safer routes for cyclists and pedestrians and I really hope this trial goes well.

"While we’ve written to residents and engaged with the Parish Council and the Haddenham walking and cycling group, tight Government timescales have given us very little time to do any other public consultation, so we'll be looking for your views while the trial is in place. There may also be adjustments or tweaks we can make as the scheme beds-in so keep your views and suggestions coming in when it's in full operation."

Nick added, "This is experimental at this stage and the local community has my reassurance that nothing will be made permanent during the trial and that any proposals at the end will be fully consulted on before decisions are made. If schemes don't work, we'll take them out, it's as simple as that."

The Council has recently ended an active travel trial early that connected Chalfont St Peter with Gerrards Cross following feedback from residents.

To comment on this scheme and any of the other trial proposals across Buckinghamshire, please visit: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-transport/active-travel/ Comments can be made using the online feedback form.