Reading Borough Council has proposed removing a Covid-era cycle lane on Sidmouth Street to add vehicle lanes into the town centre, sparking debate between drivers’ needs and cycling advocates.
Plan details: what the council is proposing on Sidmouth Street
Council transport officers have recommended taking out a two-lane cycle facility on Sidmouth Street. The lane was installed temporarily during the pandemic using Government active travel funds.
The proposal would replace part of the cycle route with extra motor vehicle lanes, intended to ease traffic heading into Reading’s centre.
Why officials say the cycle lane is underused
Local authorities argue the Sidmouth Street cycle lane does not connect well to the wider network.
- Officers say the lane lacks links to other routes, limiting its utility.
- Low usage numbers are cited as evidence it does not meet current demand.
- Officials point to a nearby, well-used cycle route as an alternative for cyclists.
Those assessments form the basis for replacing some cycling space with additional carriageway. Council documents note limited funding to extend connections, which affects the lane’s long-term viability.
How a new London Road bus lane factors in
The council plans to introduce a bus lane on London Road as part of a broader improvement package. Transport officers warn this could displace traffic onto adjacent streets.
To manage that displacement, the Sidmouth Street layout is under review. Officials argue widening for cars will help absorb extra vehicles created by the bus-lane changes.
Political response: balancing climate goals and traffic flow
Councillor John Ennis, lead for climate strategy and transport, defended the move as a pragmatic use of scarce road space.
He said the council must continuously review the network to meet changing demands. The aim is to keep some cycling provision while increasing traffic capacity where needed.
Project funding and wider transport context
The London Road bus lane and related measures are being funded through the Government-backed Bus Service Improvement Plan.
- Six new bus lanes were approved by Reading Council in January 2024.
- The wider scheme carries an estimated price tag of £26 million.
- No firm start date is currently set for the London Road lane between Sidmouth Street and London Street.
What happens next: consultation and decision timeline
Councillors agreed to start a public consultation before any final decision on the Sidmouth Street cycle lane.
The consultation will seek local views on removing cycle space and adding vehicle lanes. No removal will take place without the outcome of this engagement.
Key facts at a glance
- Location: Sidmouth Street, Reading.
- Existing feature: two-lane cycle route installed during Covid.
- Proposed change: convert part of cycle lane into extra vehicle lanes.
- Driving factor: new London Road bus lane could push more traffic onto nearby streets.
- Next step: initial public consultation will be launched.
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