BRIDGWATER youngsters got on their bikes to show off a new cycle and walking route in the town.
Pupils from Northgate Primary School took to the shared-use cycleway – which includes eco-friendly lighting – linking Linham road to the docks.
It is part of a growing cycle network in Bridgwater, which also includes the route over Saltlands bridge and along the eastern side of the river to Express Park.
In total, the passageways extend to Puriton and will take a further step forward when the Dunball scheme is complete, with a crossing into Downend planned to make the connection between Express Park and Dunball.
The new section also links to the network accessing Chiltern Trinity (from Linham Road end) and into Northgate and the town centre from the docks side.
The scheme was funded by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and Hinkley Point C, and delivered by Somerset Council contractor, Octavius Infrastructure.
Cllr Richard Wilkins, the council’s lead member for transport and waste Services, led an opening ceremony at the new stretch attended by partners and community leaders including members of Bridgwater Town Council, Bridgwater Area Cycling Campaign (BACC), alongside pupils from Northgate Primary and representatives from Octavius Infrastructure.
Cllr Wilkins said: “This is a fine piece of work by our contractor Octavius delivered on time and budget and it’s an excellent addition to Bridgwater’s growing cycling and walking network.
“We are committed to investing in active travel infrastructure across Somerset to make it easier for people to cycle or walk as an alternative to using the car and we’d urge everyone to take a look at our evolving Local Walking and Cycling Plans for key towns in the county, including Bridgwater.”
Nick Brooks, Octavius regional civil engineering contracts manager, added: “We are delighted to have supported Somerset Council in the completion of this project.
“The improved river path will provide a safer route for pedestrians and cyclists as well as better access to the riverside for all.
“The design included the use of timber edgings to reduce carbon emissions in the construction as well as new solar powered lighting along the path itself.
“In addition to completing the new cycle path, the Octavius site team worked with the Somerset Council conservation officer to recover and reclaim an historical mooring bollard which was relocated to a new safe location on the route nearby.”
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