Use this page to find out about the proposed improvements to the walking, wheeling and cycling links in Bath City Centre.
Project and strategy context
Bath City Centre aims to improve walking, wheeling and cycling in the historic city, as well as address improvements to bus services. Both will enable more travel choices, healthier places and people, and greater connectivity in and out of the city centre.
Since public consultation in 2023, the project has been divided into phases. The first phase concentrates on walking, wheeling and cycling improvements. Phase 2 looks at implementing bus infrastructure improvements aimed at providing better journey times and reliability.
It is one of several CRSTS (City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements) projects being developed in Bath. It will work alongside other transport strategy initiatives in the city to support our community's travel choices.
Bath City Centre – Phase 1
As part of our Corporate Strategy, we want to make walking, wheeling, and cycling safer, more convenient and accessible, while helping to reduce congestion and improve air quality.
Phase 1 focuses on better, safer and more direct routes for cyclists through the city centre – connecting to existing cycle routes.
Our current proposals affect the area highlighted in blue on this map of Bath City Centre.
Current proposals
This proposal consists of sections on new and upgraded cycle routes which connect with existing routes and other projects in development.
The Bath City Centre part of the long-distance National Cycle Network route 4 - which connects the Kennet and Avon Canal and the Bristol and Bath Railway Path - would be upgraded.
The proposals would change this route across the city centre, converting into a single two-way cycle route, running between Pulteney Bridge and New King Street.
A short section of new cycle route further south along Charles Street would plug a 'Missing Link' connecting the existing National Cycle Network route 4 and Upper Bristol Road to the Riverside Park at Bath Quays via Green Park Road. This is part of a different project which will also link across the Bath Quays Bridge to other routes to the south and east.
How Bath City Centre connects to the wider network
Direct interfaces with:
- Bath Quays Links
- Bath Walking, Wheeling and Cycling
- National Cycling Network route 4 and the proposed route to Weston, via Bath City Centre and Bath Walking, Wheeling and Cycling schemes
- Somer Valley Links at the Churchill gyratory
Key benefits
- This would create a better signposted joined-up network across the city centre – making cycling easier, safer and direct.
- Move cyclists away from those walking on the busier shopping streets, following mostly along segregated cycle lanes or quieter streets.
- Make cycling a more attractive option, appealing to a wide range of people.
- Footpaths would also be improved where needed along the route.
Why walking, wheeling and cycling is important
We need to make walking, wheeling and cycling the natural choice for a lot more of our journeys. Currently, over a third of car trips across Bath and North East Somerset are less than 5km.
The importance of walking, wheeling, and cycling, or ‘active travel’ as an affordable and accessible mode of transport has become increasingly apparent over recent years.
The benefits of active travel are extensive - from improving air quality to ensuring healthier places and people. By enabling more travel options, we can optimise road space for all.
Active Travel Masterplan
Bath City Centre is part of our Active Travel Masterplan, a comprehensive plan that sets out the existing and future network of active travel infrastructure. Consultation took place during summer 2024 and aims to enable walking, cycling, and other forms of active travel, ensuring safer, healthier, and more accessible transportation options for everyone. It will support all types of journeys including commuting, education, leisure, and tourism.
View the Active Travel Masterplan consultation page to find out more.
Phase 1 Timeline
| Date | Stage |
|---|---|
| December 2023 | Initial public consultation on draft proposals |
| 2023 to 2024 | Scheme development and proposals refined |
| Summer / Autumn 2025 | Complete detailed design |
| Autumn 2025 | Full Business Case submitted to West of England Mayoral Combined Authority |
| Autumn / Winter 2025 | Full Business Case approval |
| Summer 2026 | Construction begins |
Bath City Centre – Phase 2
Following a public consultation period in December 2023, and listening to residents, businesses and visitors, we are currently exploring options to improve our bus services in the city centre.
Our Corporate Strategy also aims to improve travel choices, and phase 2 of Bath City Centre will focus on bus infrastructure changes in the city. These will look at ways to improve passenger experience and make public transport more reliable.
Keep informed
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