Plans have been unveiled to build a cycle lane to link Woodley and Reading.
The scheme is part of the Government’s Active Travel Fund, and is expected to see up to eight new pedestrian crossings on Woodlands Avenue and segregated cycling facilities between Woodley Town Centre and Church Road.
It comes at a time where councils are encouraging residents to adopt more greener methods of transport such as walking or cycling rather than travelling to places by car.
The proposed route would stretch along Woodlands Avenue between Howth Drive and Lytham Road.
The current two-way road will see the unused lane turned into a two-way cycle lane, with the aim of improving infrastructure for walkers and cyclists.
A second consultation opened on January 24 and will run until February 21.
However the plans have been met with criticism from some residents.
One said not enough publicity has been given to the proposals.
Above: In the proposals, this will become one-way
The objector, who asked not to be named, said: “Like many other residents, it’s come as a great shock to me.
“We only found out because someone on the Facebook site posted that there was going to be a second stage consultation.
“The main issue is that we feel it should have been advertised.
“Residents shouldn’t have to search just in case there might be something that affects them. “
She added: “Residents are also concerned about the increased traffic in other routes around Woodley.
“We all support the fact that you need cycleways, but to take a main route through Woodley and make it one-way does not seem proportionate.”
Woodlands Avenue resident Brian Jones also said he was unsure whether the scheme had been 'thought through'.
He said: “They haven’t done any research.
“It is used very little for cycling compared to other roads. It’s just crazy.”
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Wokingham Borough Council executive member for Highways and Transport Pauline Jorgensen said: “Feedback from residents to our first consultation told us they want to see segregated cycleways and these would lead to more of them feeling safe to travel around the area on their bikes, with buggies, wheelchairs and on foot.
“The consultation will allow us to gain more feedback on the options we created from the initial public survey, which we can use to make the final decisions on the route and design details.”
Go online to engage.wokingham.gov.uk to respond to the consultation advertised on the council’s new engagement platform.
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