Future Plans
Schemes Under the Spotlight
We have several exciting plans in place to improve cycling in Chester.
These range from improving cycle access to building a new bridge over the River Dee.
Deva Link Access - Work Started
Work started early March 2010 on a new cycle and pedestrian route, built from the existing Millennium Greenway, between Parkgate Road and the Deva Link Road. This new ramp will provide easy off-road routes to the Shropshire Union Canal and to the Deva Link Road creating easy access to other cycle and walking networks across Chester. The work is expected to be completed over a ten week period.
Curzon Park Bridge Upgrade
Access is currently available over Curzon Park Bridge for pedestrians via steps. We plan to put in ramped access from the Roodee to Curzon Park so that cyclists will be able to gain access via this route in to the city centre. This work is planned to start early 2011.
New Dee Bridge
A proposed crossing between Huntington and the meadows with a view to riding from the meadows into the city centre and joining other cycle networks (planned 2013).
Picture of bridge for illustration purposes only.
Progress
As part of the three year Cycle Chester project we've been busy improving the cycling infrastructure in the city. Below are some key projects that have already been completed.
Greenway Extension
Guilden Sutton to Mickle Trafford - extension to existing route.
Work began early summer 2009 on the £1.6 million extension of the Millennium Greenway in Chester to include Guilden Sutton and Mickle Trafford, creating links through to Chester and beyond into North Wales.
The now completed project includes approximately three kilometres of surfaced greenway, areas of new landscaping, a new pedestrian bridge over the Chester to Manchester rail line and a number of access points onto the route.
The route was officially opened on Sunday 25th October 2009 and many walkers, cyclists and horse riders have been enjoying the extended route since.
Aftercare maintenance for this project is provided for 15 years, through the environmental charity Sustrans who will also manage the route.
The first phase of the existing Millennium Greenway was completed in 1999 and runs between Deeside, North Wales to Chester.
Improvements to Cycle Parking
Cycle parking is an important part of improving the cycling infrastructure in the city. We currently have a scheme up and running called 'Park that Bike', offering free cycle parking stands for organisations in the area. Community groups, small businesses, shops, offices, churches and voluntary sector groups can apply cycle stands free of charge.
Organisations who have already received parking stands from us include the Little Roodee Café, Trafford Hall training centre, and 16 local schools. Improvements have also been made to cycle parking on Foregate Street (near Brannigans) and on the junction of Bridge Street and Grosvenor Street.
If you know of a local organisation that would like to have some parking stands installed pass on our contact details.
Cycle Lockers in the City Centre and at Wrexham Road Park and Ride site will be available for the public to rent on a quarterly or annual basis at the end of April. These lockers will particularly benefit local cyclists commuting to work. More information about this scheme coming soon.
Shared use Path
Work has started on the A41 near Backford to create a shared use path, improving the access along this route for cyclists. Work is due for completion by the end of March 2010.
Map of Cycle Routes - Existing and Proposed
Below is a downloadable map that shows the existing and proposed schemes in Chester.