Consultation on Reading walking and cycling upgrades begins

Reading Borough Council has launched a public consultation into how to maintain and improve walking and cycling routes and rights of way in the town.

The council is currently devising an action plan to encourage more people to use foot and cycle paths, and is seeking public opinion about it.

One of the biggest proposals contained in the action plan is working with the developer at Caversham Park to allow members of the public to access some of the paths through the site.

The grand estate, which used to house the BBC Monitoring service, could be transformed into a housing development by applicants Beechcroft Developments (the scheme can be seen by typing references 220409 and  220410 into the council’s planning portal).

The former BBC Monitoring Site at Caversham Park. Beechcroft Developments is seeking to convert it into a housing estate. Credit: Reading Borough Council

The action plan also proposes establishing new pathways and reinstating historic routes that have been lost.

The plan is officially called the Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan.

Additional measures it proposes is removing barriers to cyclists such as gates and narrow paths, and making sure paths are well lit.

The decision to go into a consultation was agreed unanimously at a strategic environment, planning and transport committee meeting on Wednesday, November 16.

READ MORE: Fears Reading will be burnt to a crisp due to climate crisis

The consultation details how the council will inspect rights of way to make sure they are adhered to.

Councillor Tony Page (Labour, Abbey) said: “We have a network of local individuals who report blockages and obstructions to the council, and I hope the publicity will ensure others undertake that task, because we do need eyes and ears in the community, we can’t be everywhere, and neither can our officers.”

Positive work that has already been taken on rights of way resurfacing the river Thames and Kennet footpaths, Christchurch Bridge opening in September 2015, and modifying Fobney Lock along the Kennet to provide better access to both cyclists and pedestrians.

Cllr Page added that improving rights of way is a key part of the council’s climate emergency strategy, which aims to reduce the town’s carbon footprint by curbing car journeys.

He said: “Our work on improving walking and cycling routes underlines the Council’s wholehearted commitment to tackling poor air quality which we know exists in parts of Reading.

“Walking or cycling instead of using the car has many benefits for our physical and mental wellbeing, the health of our local environment and our wallets.

“Bikes are the most energy-efficient form of transport and can be faster and more predictable than cars for short journeys.

“Cycling or walking regularly can keep you fit, save you money (no tax, no fuel, no fares) and it’s one of the most environmentally-friendly ways to travel.”

You can take part in the consultation here.

The deadline for responses is February 19, 2023.