New coastal cycle route proposed
11 September 2007
Public consultation on the design and route of an important new cycle path between Reculver and Swalecliffe gets underway on Monday 17 September.
Canterbury City Council is proposing the new shared use route, which would help link the existing Viking Trail in Thanet with National Cycle Route 1 in Whitstable. The final stretch between Swalecliffe and Whitstable would be completed at a later date.
Most of the route would be along the existing sea wall and promenade, which is up to five metres wide in places. The council feels this is wide enough for cyclists and pedestrians to mix safely, although the busy section of promenade at Spa Esplanade would be avoided.
The section through Herne Bay town centre would go along the traffic-calmed Central Parade. And in Reculver Country Park, an environmentally sensitive area, a special soil reinforcement system that allows grass to grow through a plastic grid would be used for construction, to help it blend in with the landscape.
The route would be promoted as a tourist trail, with interpretation material and artwork by local artists along the way. And a direct cycle route linking Herne Bay High School, the railway station and the town centre could also be provided as part of the scheme.
Executive member for transportation, Cllr Mike Patterson, said: “This new shared use cycle route would bring plenty of benefits, including a reduction in pollution and traffic congestion, an increase in tourism and economic activity, greater access for disabled people and opportunities for people to improve their health.
“Plans for the project will be on show and we hope local people will take the time to see what is being proposed and give us their views. We will also be inviting residents to suggest a name for this new route.”
An exhibition will be open in the Central Bandstand between 10am and 4pm every day from Monday 17 to Saturday 6 October. A questionnaire will be available. The plans will also be available on request from council offices across the district. Alternatively, visit the Reculver to Swalecliffe cycle route web page on the council's website.
The results of the consultation will be reported to councillors with a final decision at the council’s Executive meeting in December. If the scheme is given the go ahead, planning permission will be required and the existing ‘no cycling’ byelaw along the sea wall amended.
