A range of Emergency Active Travel (EAT) trial schemes across Buckinghamshire are being introduced and changed this month, the council has announced.
Following feedback and consultations with local residents, businesses and road users, Buckinghamshire Council is making adjustments to existing schemes and adding new trial schemes in different parts of the county.
The EAT schemes form part of a £514,000 investment to encourage residents to make more local journeys on foot and by bike. In addition to the immediate benefits to health and wellbeing, schemes such as this can also have longer term benefits including reducing congestion and improving air quality. The schemes also help contribute to Buckinghamshire Council’s policy to combat climate change.
A “quietway” on Trinity Road in Marlow is being introduced for an initial trial duration of six months. A quietway uses point closures to help create a quieter street for everyone, encouraging cycling and walking. A consultation was undertaken for the potential trial scheme earlier this year. The majority of feedback supported the scheme so it was agreed to implement it.
The Marlow quietway includes installation of decorative planters at the junction of Wethered Road and Trinity Road, and the installation of bollard posts towards the Dean Street Car Park end of Trinity Road. These are being placed north of residential and business access to ensure existing vehicle access is maintained for all residential and business properties along Trinity Road. Access to the Dean Street car park will be maintained, accessible from Dean Street only.
From mid-April onwards, some amendments will be made to the existing scheme in Southcourt in Aylesbury, at the junction of Chalgrove Walk and Churchill Avenue. This follows feedback from local residents with an adjustment of the point closure to alleviate local concerns, including people driving over the grass verge and park area.
In High Wycombe, an upgrade and refreshing of the existing East-West cycle route is being undertaken to increase protection for cyclists and improve awareness for all road users. Works include additional wayfinding signs, improved accessibility, refreshing of existing markings and installation of solar studs through the park near Millbrook Combined School, through Lilys Walk and along the path by the Rye (on the south side of The Dyke).
Ian Thompson, Corporate Director for Planning, Growth and Sustainability said: “We are really pleased to be able to run such a range of Emergency Active Travel Schemes across the county. As a council we are committed to exploring options for more sustainable travel. The benefits on both our personal health and our local environment are a win-win for everyone.”
