Decision details

Whether to continue on to the formal consultation of the proposed speed limit changes and toucan crossing installation

The Cabinet Member agrees with the placing of the proposed crossings and reduction of speed limit on approach to the crossing

The proposal to provide formal crossings to safely navigate the dual carriageway section of the A4 is Phase 2 of a 3-phase programme to provide an off-road cycle path to link the NCN4 Bristol and Bath Railway path and Bath city centre with Bath Spa University.

Phase 1, the provision of a shared-use pedestrian cycle path along the northern side of the A4 dual carriageway between the Twerton Fork junction and the Globe roundabout, where it meets Pennyquick Hill and the A39, was completed in 2013.  The third phase comprises a ramp from the shared-use cycle path, near Twerton Fork down to the Bristol-Bath network, which is due for delivery 2014/15.

The completed scheme will realise the Council’s aspiration to provide a majority off-road link to the University. It has been a long term aspiration to provide a mainly off road route between Bath Spa University and Bath city centre as described in the Bath and North East Somerset Council strategic cycle routes 2002. 

The new signal controlled crossing will also provide a safe crossing point for bus passengers travelling from locations to the west of the university such as Saltford, Keynsham and Bristol and the speed limit reduction will improve safety further, as vehicles approach the crossings.

As part of the feasibility for the scheme, the Council were asked to consider an option to site a Toucan crossing on the A4 in advance of the roundabout from the Saltford direction.  This would mean that cyclists would not be required to cross the dual carriageway section of the A4 and at the uncontrolled section of roundabout to Pennyquick Hill. 

The optional route from the crossing would take pedestrians/ cyclists along the unadopted historic road, which comes out opposite the Bath Spa University.  This option was not considered for