In the future it will be easier for cyclists and walkers to travel between Wimborne and Colehill with the construction of a new route funded through BCP Council and Dorset Council’s multi-million pound Transforming Travel – Transforming Cities Fund.

The 2.3km cycle path and walking improvements will form the first part of a green travel route planned to run to and from Poole town centre, Ferndown and Wimborne.  The work, which begins on 18 January, marks the start of south east Dorset’s largest ever investment in sustainable travel infrastructure creating 78kms of new cycling and walking routes.

The works, due to complete towards the end of 2021, include:

▪ A new, largely segregated 2.3km two-way cycleway along Leigh Road/Wimborne Road West between the junction with Brook Road and Canford Bottom roundabout.

▪ New ‘parallel crossings’ on Leigh Road (west of Old Ham Lane and west of Hayes Lane) allowing both pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road safely. These innovative crossings will be the first of their type in the Dorset Council area

▪ Reducing the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph (from Canford Bottom roundabout to Brook Road).

▪ Junction improvements along Leigh Road giving priority to people walking and cycling around the area

▪ Additional green space and planting including new trees

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said, “We are dedicated to ensuring we can all enjoy a cleaner, greener and healthier place to live, work, and visit. The project aims to support safe alternatives to the car. The cycleway will benefit so many local people. Parents who have children in local schools will hopefully share my enthusiasm that their children can ride their bikes and scooters safely in the knowledge that the speed limit has been reduced. Wheelchair and mobility scooter users have two new crossings across the road. The walkways and cycle routes will provide easy access to play areas, leisure facilities and common land. Those commuting to Ferndown Industrial Estate will find themselves with increased options on how to travel to their place of work.”

Cllr Mike Greene, portfolio holder for Transport and Sustainability at BCP Council said, “We’re really excited to see the start of construction on south east Dorset’s first green travel route that will transform local travel, particularly for short journeys.  Being able to walk, cycle, scoot or run to work, school or for leisure has tremendous benefits for the environment, economy and people’s health and wellbeing.”

The scheme also completes a gap in the national cycle network (via the Castleman Trailway) to provide a continuous, attractive network for people on bikes to key destinations. The Leigh Road section of the Transforming Travel scheme has been part-funded by Sustrans.