The provision of new cycling and walking routes can be a emotive subject with residents complaining recently that their provision impacts on motoring thoroughfares causing congestion.

However, residents in Dorset now have the chance to put forward their views on proposals for 78km of new cycling and walking routes and bus infrastructure improvements across south east Dorset. 

BCP Council and Dorset Council are jointly proposing six new sustainable travel routes, which will be funded through the £100+ million Transforming Cities Fund (TCF).

The routes aim to give people safe, quick and environmentally friendly travel alternatives to driving, particularly for short journeys 

Proposals include:

• New and improved cycle and walking paths
• New pedestrian crossings and wider pavements
• Changes to road infrastructure to improve bus journey times
• Upgrades to existing, and installation of new, bridges
• Junction improvements prioritising pedestrians and cyclists
• New wayfinding signage and lighting
• Lower speed limits
• New bus shelters and real-time service information at bus stops
• Improved pavement access and crossings for people with mobility needs including drop kerbs and tactile paving
• Smart ticketing

The consultation is being run in two phases. The first phase will cover four of the six planned routes and will run until the end of March. These routes are:

• Bournemouth railway station to/from Jumpers Common, Christchurch
• Bournemouth town centre to/from Ferndown
• Poole town centre to/from Wareham Road, Holton Heath
• Poole town centre to/from Merley, Poole

The second phase of the consultation for the remaining two sustainable travel routes is likely to begin at the end of March and will run until mid-May.  These routes are:

• Poole town centre to/from Ferndown and Wimborne
• Merley, Poole to/from Christchurch

The online survey is available at:  haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/transforming-travel.

 Printed copies of the proposals and the response survey are also available by emailing transformingtravel@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or by calling 01202 451451.

Cllr Mike Greene, portfolio holder for Transport and Sustainability at BCP Council said, “Walking, cycling and travelling by bus will become much more appealing, encouraging greener and healthier journeys – good news for both our economy and planet.”