Bath and North East Somerset Council is introducing a new cycle path and upgraded crossings to encourage more cycling and walking in the Sydney Road liveable neighbourhood (LTN). Since April 2024, Sydney Road has been closed to through traffic as part of the council’s initiative to reduce speeding, make residential streets safer, and create a more pleasant environment for active travel. However, the scheme has sparked controversy, with some residents concerned that traffic is being displaced to nearby roads.
Despite opposition, the council decided in February to make the Sydney Road LTN permanent. Now, residents are invited to provide feedback on plans for a raised continuous crossing at the junction of New Sydney Place and the A36 Sydney Place/Darlington Street. This type of crossing, where the pavement seamlessly extends across the road, aims to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. Similar crossings were introduced on side roads off Upper Bristol Road in 2022.
Additionally, a new shared cycle and pedestrian path along Beckford Road is proposed to link Sydney Road’s northern end with the Kennet and Avon Canal path. This project was included in the Bath Walking Wheeling and Cycling Links scheme consultations.
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The council plans to issue a formal traffic regulation order on July 3 to solidify the Sydney Road and New Sydney Place LTN. The scheme remains contentious, with more than £7,400 raised to legally challenge the road closure.
Consultation responses reveal a divided community: 76% opposed the overall LTN scheme while 24% supported it. Notably, 72% of residents on Sydney Road and Sydney Place favored the plan, contrasting with 70% opposition from those on neighbouring streets within the trial area.
Joel Hirst, the council’s cabinet member for sustainable transport strategy, stated: “While we acknowledge the concerns from some residents regarding the permanent closure, we are confident the consultation process was fair and thorough. This scheme offers significant safety benefits for residents and active travellers heading to schools or the city centre and fits within our broader Active Travel Masterplan. We will continue developing the New Sydney Place/Sydney Road LTN and will keep Bathwick residents informed in the next phases.”
The consultation on the continuous raised crossing is open until July 10 at 5 pm and focuses solely on the crossing design. Feedback on the wider liveable neighbourhood and shared path schemes has already been collected.