Improved walking and cycling routes for Boscombe

New cycle routes, zebra crossings and improved walking routes, including lighting to Woodland Walk, are just a number of improvements to be rolled out across Boscombe.

Work will begin next week (Monday 8 March) on the ‘Links to Schools’ programme aimed at providing safer routes for children to walk and cycle to school.  Once complete the scheme will provide better walking and cycling routes for anyone travelling across Boscombe whether to work, school, shops, King's Park and the seafront.

Running from the seafront to Littledown Valley, via Kings Park and Woodland Walk the project is anticipated to be complete in June 2010 and will see:

• New signal controlled cycle/pedestrian crossing at Christchurch Road

• New zebra crossings at the Beechwood Avenue/Wentworth Avenue junction, at Boscombe Overcliffe Drive at its junction with Woodland  Walk, and at Harewood Avenue.

• New and improved lighting throughout Woodland Walk.

Further works will begin in April 2010 to provide new cycle and walking routes from Ashley Road through Kings Park to Harewood Avenueand through Littledown Valley opposite Porchester and Avonbourne Schools.

Working in partnership with Cycling England the Council match funded the £300K grant, funded by Cycling England and awarded last year by Sustrans - the sustainable transport charity.  Sustrans is working with local authorities across England, to connect communities to their schools, colleges and wider networks of routes, including the National Cycle Network.   The work in Boscombe is part of this programme.

Councillor Robert Lawton, Cabinet Member for Environment & Transport; "I am delighted that together with Cycling England we are able to make these improvements which will enhance the existing work already underway in regenerating Boscombe as a whole.  Apart from the safety aspects of the Links to School programme, there are of course other direct benefits to the local community.  Walking and cycling also provide everyday exercise, encouraging children and residents to be more active and healthy.  Once complete this project will make a big improvement to travelling in and around Boscombe."