Many Reading Chronicle readers, and particularly Woodley residents, have been rejoicing this week as plans for a one-way cycle route from Woodley to Reading have been scrapped.

The proposal was to turn a stretch of a Woodlands Avenue into a one-way system and cycle path.

If approved, it would have seen the closure of Woodlands Avenue to eastbound traffic, between Howth Drive and Lytham Road.

Revealing to residents on a Woodley residents Facebook page, Cllr Keith Baker revealed that more than 1,000 Woodley residents came out for the consultation, with 74 per cent against the proposals.

This level of disapproval has been echoed by Reading Chronicle readers, with many sharing their delight on Facebook.

 

READ MORE: Woodley cycle route plans scrapped after consultation

 

Claire Deegan said: “Good. It would've been a nightmare at peak times with several schools in the area and meant a huge journey time along main roads for pupils who aren't able to walk to school.”

Similarly, Peter Rainbow said: “Good, cycle lanes rarely see any cycles.

“Better to spend the cash on facilities.”

However it was far from unanimous, with plenty of readers feeling it would’ve been a good idea.

Peter Metalli said: “Oh great. More congestion then. 95% of bike riders also own a car so every 20 bike riders means 19 cars off the road so those who need to use one can get around faster.

“Welcome to the jams.”

Meanwhile James King said: “There'll always be people who need to drive. As before, getting the people who can (the majority), walking/cycling more, will free up the road for those that need to drive. A win for both "sides".

Mr King continued: “Hopefully the disagree-ers have provided an alternative suggestion to reducing car usage and congestion.

One man who is happy to see the proposal scrapped is Cllr Baker, Borough Mayor of Wokingham.

He exclusively told the Reading Chronicle: "I am very pleased that the people of Woodley were listened to by Wokingham Borough Council. There was a massive campaign to ensure that those views would be heard by the Borough Council, that included my team knocking on almost 300 doors, getting a petition with 1600 signatures, and encouraging people to fill in the formal consultation which had over 1300 responses, one of the best responses of any WBC consultations in history.”