New bike path to link University of Worcester campuses

Two campuses belonging to the University of Worcester are due to be joined together next month by a new cycle and footpath. The new infrastructure is being funded by money made available by the university under section 106 planning guidelines, which promote the development of sustainable transport initiatives.

The new link comprises two separate bike paths that together will link campuses at Henwick Grove and Croft Road, and Worcestershire County Council has waited until the path at the latter site had received planning permission before putting the project out to tender in order to maximise value.

Works, which also include the provision of lighting, are scheduled to take place between February 8 and March 19, during which time pedestrians and cyclists intending to use the section of Croft Road near Sabrina Bridge will have to take a small detour.

A council spokesman told Worcester News: “The existing footpath along the edge of the Croft Road car park is to be widened to three metres to become shared use.

“This will link across Grandstand Road to a newly constructed three-metre tarmac path, again for shared use, which will link to the bottom of the Sabrina Bridge ramp.

He added: “One new lighting column will be installed at the west end of the Croft Road footpath and the new path will also be lit.”

Professor David Green, vice-chancellor of the university, commented: “We were very happy to commit £1 million to improve pedestrian and cycle facilities and other sustainable modes of transport in St John’s.

“We have already paid more than £100,000 for the pedestrian/cycle path and lighting which runs along the new bund to the Sabrina Bridge and look forward to these further works, which will provide more safe cycling and walking in Worcester.

“The university is committed to increasing the proportion of visitors who walk and cycle to its sites and runs a number of schemes to encourage this,” he added.