Bath and North East Somerset Council has unveiled plans to introduce a new cycle lane through Royal Victoria Park, featuring distinctive “tulip wand” bollards to separate cyclists from motor traffic. This marks the first use of such bollards in Bath, adding a visually appealing, Dutch-inspired touch to the city’s hilly cycling infrastructure.
The council explained that these tulip-shaped separators not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the cycle path but also provide a safer, flexible boundary. Designed to bend and then return to shape if struck, they reduce injury risks compared with traditional rigid bollards.
The proposed route will run from Park Lane to the Victoria Obelisk, operating as a contraflow lane along the park’s western and southern perimeter. Accompanying the bollards, the cycle lane will be surfaced with green tarmac and illuminated by new “eco-sensitive” lighting.
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This project is part of the wider Weston to Bath city centre cycle lane initiative, which also includes resurfacing pavements, installing new pedestrian crossings, and adding six disabled parking spaces. To accommodate the cycle lane, some existing parking bays alongside the road will be removed.
The council anticipates commencing the work in autumn, pending the results of ongoing statutory consultations. Currently, four separate consultations are open until 20 and 27 August, covering various elements of the scheme. Previously, a public consultation revealed approximately half of respondents opposed the cycle lane through the park, primarily due to concerns about parking space removals.
Council cabinet member Lucy Hodge responded:
“We have listened to feedback and refined the plans, retaining vehicle access while delivering better facilities for people walking, wheeling and cycling through the park. The improvements will create safer crossings, better accessibility and a more welcoming environment for everyone.”
In parallel, development of new cycle lanes is also planned along the A36, including Beckford Road and Sydney Place. This includes a new cycle crossing over Beckford Road at the canal entrance, construction of shared-use paths, and upgraded pedestrian crossings.
Separately, work will commence in Bear Flat to enhance Wells Road with a shorter pedestrian crossing, an extended northbound bus lay-by, an improved bus stop featuring seating and real-time information, raised side-road crossings, and improvements to public spaces. These changes form part of the Somer Valley Links project, designed to improve connectivity between Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Bath, and Bristol.
Lucy Hodge added:
“We want to make it safer, easier and more pleasant for people to get around, whether they are walking, wheeling, cycling or using the bus and these schemes will help achieve that. They will improve everyday connections and, at Bear Flat, help buses run more reliably.”
She concluded by assuring residents that every effort would be made to minimise traffic disruption during construction and thanked the public for their patience.
Residents are encouraged to provide feedback on the Royal Victoria Park plans via the statutory consultations currently open.