Work starts next week on a new walking, wheeling and cycling scheme in the centre of Bath.
The new route, which will connect to existing and proposed routes across the city, will begin on Charles Street before continuing through the city centre via Upper Borough Walls to Pulteney Bridge.
The scheme involves the construction of 300 meters of new cycle paths, eight new crossings and improving 800 metres of pavements, roads and drainage.
Works start on Upper Borough Walls on Monday 9 March, and works across the whole route are expected to finish by the end of 2026.
| Area | Proposed start date | Duration | Works taking place |
| Upper Borough Walls | March 2026 | 7 weeks | New loading bay, clearly marked cycle route |
| Old Bond Street | March 2026 | 7 weeks | Repaving of area |
| Burton Street | March 2026 | 7 weeks | Repaving of area |
| Bridge Street | March 2026 | 14 weeks | New cycle path, new loading bay |
| Beauford Square | Late April 2026 | 6 weeks | Upgraded pedestrian crossings and road repaving |
| Princes Street | Late April 2026 | 6 weeks | Upgraded pedestrian crossings and road repaving |
| Charles Street | April 2026 | 7 months | Cycle path linking to new cycle path on Green Park Road |
| Barton Street | Early summer 2026 | 10 weeks | Extension of pedestrianised area |
| Trim Street | Early summer 2026 | 10 weeks | Upgraded pedestrianised crossings and paved areas |
| Monmouth Street | Early summer 2026 | 9 weeks | New cycle lane in both directions. |
The route will link to other planned schemes in the city, including the proposed Weston to city centre route, the Bath River Line project, National Cycling Network and the Bath Quays Links scheme which is currently under construction.
Councillor Lucy Hodge, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Delivery, said: “This will improve travel options in the city centre for our residents and visitors.
“Making it easier for people to walk, wheel, and cycle helps cut pollution and reduce car dependency in the city, benefiting everyone’s health.
“This will connect to a number of other schemes as we set out to improve travel options, reduce traffic and create great quality places for residents across Bath and North East Somerset.”
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “Working together with the council, this latest regional investment will cut pollution and give local communities better choices for how to get around. Getting the basics right now by improving our walking and cycling routes here in Bath, and making it safer for everyone with new crossings, will lay the foundations for a better transport system overall for the West of England.
“We’ve secured a record £752 million for that next stage from national government. That means that the West can get out of the slow lane on transport and start to catch up with other regions, with better buses, more trains, and mass transit plans – as well as active travel and street improvements, as recently set out in our new Transport Vision.”
You can stay informed by visiting the Bath City Centre Active Travel Route page at https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/bath-city-centre-active-travel-plans
To stay informed on the latest transport developments across Bath & North East Somerset, including current works, check out our interactive Transport Action Map: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/transport-action-map.
The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is responsible for distributing the UK Government’s CRSTS funds to schemes in the region. Its members include the West of England Mayor and leaders from the Mayoral Combined Authority’s three constituent councils: Bath & North East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council.
Why spend all this money on new Cycle Path and pedestrian way when I am told the Council has not enough money to repair All the Potholes in existing roads . Many of which are in a dangerous state for cycle uses and motorists . I have just had to replace 2 half worn tyres because of damage by pothole at a cost of £400.00!
These cycling champions have ruined Bath with the growth of these cycle lanes in a City of seven hills that surround the City Centre. I am a Bathonian of 84 years and saddened about this Destruction of Bath. It is obvious that these decisions are being made by non Bathonians. How Bath has changed under the LibDems and WECA and Bath will never return to the Beauty it had in my days growing up. Incidentally I am a Survivor of the Blitz along with my family of eight. Feeling desperately sad about the future of Bath but guess at my age it may not change for the better in my lifetime.
I’m a cyclist. Was a cardriver until 2010. I’m 80 y o and find some hills in Bath a bit steep, so have a healthy mix of cycling, walking and bussing. My bike is a foldable Brompton. The traffic, cars and vans, is awful. A massive problem. Entitlement. My view is that to succeed with these healthy alternatives, we need to tackle the quality and frequency of the bus network. It’s a case of looking into the mindset.
Having been a cardriver for most of my adult life, I am observing on a daily basis – when walking and cycling – the way people drive – my suggestion is that a large number (50% ???) – of drivers have no licence to drive. Has this ever been tested? Stop &search – show the licence?
The ‘one to watch’ is Charles Street. This will provide truly safe options for people regardless of their mode of travel. Bridge Street is also a significant ‘tweak’.