Bath’s Green Councillors are calling for urgent improvements to the city’s Walking, Wheeling, and Cycling Links (BWWCL) scheme, warning that key shortcomings could undermine its ability to create a safer, healthier, and more connected city. While supporting the vision behind the scheme, they stress the importance of adhering to national standards, addressing safety concerns, and maximising the impact of limited resources.
The Councillors highlight the need for compliance with Local Transport Note 1/20 (LTN 1/20), the national standard for cycling infrastructure. Proposals such as advisory cycle lanes from Weston to Bath city centre fall short of these guidelines.
“Painted cycle lanes on busy roads don’t protect cyclists or enable new riders,” said Green Councillor Saskia Heijltjes. “If we’re serious about giving people more travel choices, we need proper infrastructure to give people confidence to get on their bikes or trikes.”
They also propose prioritising cost-effective measures, such as reimagining Queen Square. By closing sections to through traffic, this historic space could become a vibrant public area:
“This is a lower-cost solution that ticks all the boxes—healthier places, sustainable travel options, and a greener, more inclusive city,” said Green Leader, Councillor Joanna Wright.
Concerns were also raised about the proposed route through Royal Victoria Park, which is isolated and unlit, posing safety risks, particularly for women and children. “Even with lighting, secluded areas often feel unsafe at night,” they noted, stressing the importance of designing routes with social safety in mind.
The Councillors also call for better integration of the BWWCL with other local schemes, such as Liveable Neighbourhoods and the A4 Bath to Bristol route, to ensure a seamless, connected network.
“This consultation is a chance to create a lasting legacy for Bath—a city where sustainable travel and accessible public spaces are at the heart of everyday life,” Councillor Wright added.
The Green Councillors are urging Bath & North East Somerset Council to revisit the plans to ensure the scheme delivers safe, inclusive, and high-quality infrastructure that secures Bath’s sustainable future.