We have had some great input to our request for creative ideas on footpath and cycle routes (and bridleways), which will help the development of the 2021-2040 Long Leys Neighbourhood Plan. Six of these suggested new route options have been mapped and briefly assessed, in order to get further feedback (see maps below).
Background to Route Options
Creating new routes around Long Leys has many challenges. Safely crossing Long Leys Road with small children on cycles is just one of them. The A57, the A46 and the gradient of the Lincoln Ridge all create barriers to movement, which can potentially be overcome in different ways. The new route options are primarily suggestions for discussions and certainly not something that is cast in stone – they are responses to community feedback to try and evolve and visualise the ideas already put forward.
Remember that the plan period runs from 2021-2040 so this is not something that is likely to happen overnight. That said if we don’t have credible plans in place then it is difficult to seize on any funding opportunities if they arise.
The two maps below show overviews of the initial six route options, with the full detail available in the pdf document: Review of Options for Long Leys Cycle Paths and Footpaths.
The routes have been assessed using the following broad principles:
- Routes should generally separate walkers/cyclists/ horse-riders from vehicles
- Routes should be suitable for 10-year old cyclist without adult supervision
- No encroachment on West Common
- Multi use paths should have codes of conduct which encourage consideration of all types of path users (e-bikes /e-scooters need clarification).
Feedback Requested
We are looking for feedback from the community on:
- The broad principles listed above
- The value to you of the six possible routes and any concerns or possible improvements you can suggest. (the current priority given to the route is shown in brackets):
- 1: St George’s to Fossdyke Navigation (High)
- 2: Cloverleaf to Pyewipe Inn (High)
- 3: Safety Improvements to North/South Catchwater Drain footpath/bridleway (Medium)
- 4: Long Leys Road to Bishops Bridge (Low)
- 5: Long Leys Road to Yarborough Road (Medium)
- 6: Yarborough Road to Long Leys Road via Whitton Park (Medium)
- If you think the priorities, identified above and in the pdf document, should be different then please let us know.
You can share your views by emailing Jon Davies, who is leading work on this focus area of the Neighbourhood Plan. Email: jon.davies@long-leys.org.
Route Options 1-3
Note: Map of Route 1 above does not currently show southerly section running alongside West Common to the Fossdyke Navigation. Details of this route are given in the PDF.
Route Options 4-6
Background to 2021-2040 Neighbourhood Plan
This activity is part of the Neighbourhood Planning project for Long Leys and supports the following focus area:
- Footpaths and cycle-ways: Improving safe and easy access into neighbouring areas and the city centre.
The Long Leys Neighbourhood Plan is being developed by LLRA and community volunteers, along with specialist support from a grant funded planning consultant and other specialist consultants. The overall project is being managed, on behalf of LLRA, by the Neighbourhood Planning Action Group (NPAG). If you would like to volunteer to help with any of the Neighbourhood Plan activity, which is 100% community led and controlled, then email us at NPAG@long-leys.org. Volunteers willingly give up their time to benefit the whole Long Leys community. See long-leys.org/neighbourhood-plan/ for more details on the project.
What Others Are Saying: