Design proposals for new cycle routes in the borough remain unpopular with residents, according to the latest survey.
Wokingham Borough Council asked residents for their feedback on two planned cycle routes connecting Woodley with Twyford, which has, so far, received 137 responses.
Of those responses, 81 have left comments which are predominantly negative towards the proposals. Just 21 (26 per cent) were positive towards the schemes, with 47 (58 per cent) registering their dissatisfaction and 13 remaining neutral.
The first route includes segregated cycle tracks on Headley Road and Hurricane Way to link with an upgraded off-road shared use footpath/cyclepath on Beggars Hill Road.
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The alternative route would follow residential streets to reach Waingels Road, where speed limits would be reduced, and traffic calming introduced – where motorists are encouraged to slow down in a specific section of a road.
A full breakdown of the scheme can be seen below the article.
Much of the negative response comes from the porposal to implement modal filters – a road design that restricts the passage of certain types of vehicle – on Mohawk Way, which residents say should be “reconsidered”.
“The proposed closure of Mohawk Way around Blanchard Close makes absolutely zero sense.
All vehicles will have to carry on all the way around Hurricane Way I believe, adding additional distance and time to spew emissions,” one respondent said.
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Others said the scheme is “not needed” and urged the council to consider spending money improving public transport services.
“The train service has effectively shot itself in the foot and costs even more than a car. You need to improve how you consult us residents. Stop wasting our money on schemes the majority don’t want,” one noted.
Those in favour of the proposals cite the fact that cycle lanes and traffic calming techniques have a positive impact on reducing the number of vehicles on a particular bit of road.
One respondent said: “Quite happy with these proposals and hopefully all of them will be implemented in favour of pedestrians and cyclists.
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“[The] climate change we are observing this summer should open the eyes of the entire community concerning car usage.”
Wokingham Borough Council has already been forced to reconsider plans for a Woodley to Reading cycle link following feedback from residents earlier in the year.
The feedback showed that the design was not popular, leading the council to go back to the drawing board and rethink the draft plan based on the responses it received.
Wokingham Borough Council were approached for comment.
Speed Limit Changes
20 MPH limit
Butts Hill Road (Church Road to Headley Road)
Church Road (Duffield Road to Butts Hill Road)
Tippings Lane (Duffield Road to Denmark Avenue)
Denmark Avenue (Tippings Lane to Waingels Road)
Waingels Road (Denmark Avenue to Park Lane)
Hurricane Way (Loddon Vale roundabout to Mohawk Way)
Mohawk Way
30 MPH limit
Beggars Hill Road (end of Sandford Farm estate to Landsend Lane)
Landsend Lane
Whistley Mill Lane (Landsend Lane to just before the two large lakes)
Roundabout Re-Design
This provides a protected crossing for cyclists on every arm of the roundabout.
Headley Road
Spitfire Way
NEW Segregated Cycle Ways
This can be through a reduction in width of the carriageway and / or taking it from grass verge.
Butts Hill Road (Church Road to Headley Road)
Headley Road East
Widening Footpaths
Usually through taking from grass verges.
Church Road (Duffield Road to Butts Hill Road)
Denmark Avenue (Tippings Lane to Waingels Road) – through Ashenbury Park
Tippings Lane (Duffield Road to Denmark Avenue)
Beggars Hill Road
Headley Road East (Loddon Vale end) / Tippings Lane – through realignment of carriageway
Narrowing Carriageway ONLY
Hurricane Way
Mohawk Way
Blocking traffic apart from cycles
Mohawk Way – around Blanchard Close
NEW Street Lights
Waingels Road to Park Lane
Whistley Mill Lane (Landsend Lane to just before the two large lakes)
Shared-use footpaths
Waingels Road to Park Lane
Whistley Mill Lane (Landsend Lane to just before the two large lakes)
NEW Cycle Bridge at Ford
Park Lane / Whistley Mill Lane
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