Plans have been revealed for a new cycleway in Oakham
a public consultation is underway
A scheme to create a shared cyclepath and footway in Oakham have been put forward.
Rutland County Council has secured £36,000 of funding from the Department of Transport to help enhance walking and cycling provisions in the county.
The Council is considering using the funding to create a shared cycleway and footway along the length of Burley Road, between the Oakham bypass (Burley Park Way) and Cutts Close Park.
The proposals involve increasing the width of the pavement that runs along the north side of Burley Road to create a three-metre-wide shared space with markings for both pedestrians and cyclists. Some road signs and street furniture would be moved to accommodate the changes. The plans also propose the removal of a layby close to Burley Road bus stop, to create one continuous unbroken route.
The idea is to increase the size of the pavement to accommodate both a walkway and cyclepath.
Consultations are taking place and the Council are inviting feedback on the proposals until July 11th.
Councillor Lucy Stephenson, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Rutland County Council, said: “The improvements that are being proposed along Burley Road are fairly minor, as we’re really talking about widening and upgrading an existing footway. However, the benefits could be enormous in terms of encouraging more people to walk and cycle. It could be a real asset for the two nearby schools, as well as helping to connect the bypass – which is already a shared pedestrian-cycle route – with the centre of Oakham.”
Cllr Stephenson added: “Findings from the recent Future Rutland Conversation are still being reviewed. However, it’s already clear that protecting the environment and encouraging sustainable travel, like cycling, are really important to local residents, so I hope lots of people will want to see and comment on this particular scheme.”