The final phase of the Reading section of a new cross-Berkshire cycle route was given the go-ahead last week.

Route 422 is a mix of mostly cyclist-pedestrian shared lanes and some on-road cycle lanes segregated by markings but with no physical barrier.

The full route, which is part of the National Cycle Network, will run between Newbury and Ascot as well as linking into local cycle routes.

Opposition councillor Josh Williams said: “I am going to hope that this is a first step towards the council moving towards segregated cycling lanes.

“I think the cycle campaign don’t like this scheme and pedestrians also do not like this scheme. There is a question mark over exactly who likes this scheme.”

The Reading part of the route is funded by £1.2m from the Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP) Local Growth Grant and £214,00 in private sector contribution.

Councillor Page, lead member for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport (SEPT), said: “There is no easy answer in Reading.

“Cllr Williams knows that our constrained highway network prevents us from delivering segregated cycle lanes in a lot of areas

“A scheme that he is actively involved in campaigning against – the East Reading MRT – actually delivers a segregated cycleway as well as a separate pavement for pedestrians.

“Where we can we will deliver segregated cycle ways. That is part of our policy.

“For people commuting into and out of Reading, this is a further incentive to leave your cycle behind and contribute to the environment and your own personal health. The sooner we get this finished, the better.”

SEPT Committee members approved phase three of the Reading section of works on Route 422 on November 21.

The first phase of works started in January 2017, along Bath Road, and is expected to be completed by the end of this month.

The second phase, along Berkley Avenue, started in January this year and is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.

The council say this will provide a mixture of routes to cater for both experienced and less confident cyclists.

Route 422 is a joint project between Reading, Bracknell, West Berkshire and Wokingham’s local authorities.

The full route is expected to be complete in spring 2019, with Bracknell Forest Council having already completed its part of the scheme.