Segregated cycleways - Print version

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A high-quality cycle network is an important part of our Transport Strategy [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/transport-strategy-2/transport-strategy], helping to address several challenges:

  • Tackling climate change
  • Improving health outcomes for local people
  • Improving road safety
  • Supporting the city’s economic recovery
  • Reducing levels of economic inequality
  • Maximising the benefits of planned transport improvements
  • Meeting travel demand arising from new homes
  • Adapting to changes in the way that people live, work and travel

We have already delivered two showcase segregated cycleways in the city:

Work continues to further improve and extend these routes.

Our Transport Strategy aims to develop a complete network of cycleways spanning the city, including:

What are some of the benefits of cycling?

  • Improves physical health - regular cycling can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. It can also reduce the risks caused by an inactive lifestyle such as obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
  • Improves social inclusion - access to safe cycling facilities enables more people to take part in society by improving the ability and opportunity to travel
  • Improves mental health - Cycling can reduce stress, ease anxiety and reduce the risk of depression. Cycling also helps you sleep better, improves your memory and helps you feel good.
  • Improves air quality - fewer car trips being made means less pollution. Poor air quality is one of the top five risks to public health in the UK
  • Improves access to employment, education and leisure - cycling takes you from door to door. It opens up opportunities to households without a car and increases the number of possible destinations available compared to bus users

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Cycleway so wide?

The cycleway is “bi-directional” which means people on cycles pass each other in opposite directions and so the cycleway needs to be wide enough to allow this to happen safely. A typical upright cycle requires a width of one metre, but tricycles, recumbent cycles and physically adapted cycles require up to 1.2m, plus room to pass each other. Design standards, therefore, require a width of 3m and a buffer between the cycleway and road of at least 0.5 metres.

Why is the road now so narrow?

When working out the width of a road, we need to consider factors such as how much traffic there will be, the type and mix of traffic, the speed limit and what other activity may take place on street such as loading or parking.

Two cars can pass in a width of 4.8 metres and two lorries can pass at 5.5 metres. However, the narrowest section of road left over after the cycleway is 6.2m – this measurement doesn’t include the on-street parking in designated bays. Narrower roads help reduce traffic speeds, improving road safety for everyone.

Wider roads with good visibility lead to motorists travelling faster. Narrower roads can help reduce speeds in residential areas. 

Why can’t people just cycle on the roads?

Over half of the people asked tell us that safety is the largest barrier to cycling and a quarter of people say a lack of confidence is also an issue. 

We want to help more people be able to cycle. Cycling has significant health and economic benefits as well as helping to reduce pollutants that cause poor air quality. We know that cycle tracks on roads that are physically separated from traffic and pedestrians enable more people to cycle.

Cycle Coventry

Address: Coventry City Council
PO Box 7097
Coventry
CV6 9SL

Binley cycleway

Binley Cycleway currently links Gosford Green on the edge of the city centre, close to Coventry University, to Binley Business Park. When fully complete, it will connect the city centre to University Hospital in Walsgrave.  The section between Hospital and Tesco in Clifford Park is also complete. 

The Clifford Bridge Road section of the Binley Cycleway forms the final section of the route connecting the city centre, Binley and the University Hospital. We have been working on the design details and are now getting ready to start constructing the cycleway later this year.

The Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and Tree Felling Notices [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/7925/binley-cycleway-scheme] required for the work are now live and show the design principles for the schemes you can comment on these.

The TROs have been advertised for:

  • cycle track designation
  • raised features at junctions – including pedestrian and cyclist crossing points
  • controlled crossings – pelicans and toucan crossings
  • double yellow lines
  • speed limit reduction (30mph)

As a reminder, the Clifford Bridge Road scheme includes:

  • realigning the kerb lines of the road to retain road width whilst fitting in the main elements of pavement, parking and cycleway., However, we will realign it along most of the length, using some of the wide lay-bys to ensure we can fit in all the main elements – pavement, parking and cycleway
  • the number of parking spaces will be increased from the original plan, with some small changes to where they are located along the road.
  • the cycleway and pavement will be separated by a kerb for most of the route, apart from two short sections - at the pedestrian bridge over the River Sowe and around a large Norway Maple Tree and bus stop close to house numbers 39-43
  • parking bays will be differentiated from the road by mountable kerbs
  • additional uncontrolled pedestrian crossings - including one by the roundabout and one by Coombe Park Road
  • visibility from all junctions and driveways will be as now or improved. We will make improvements where we can by moving kerbs or by introducing parking restrictions in close proximity to junctions
  • we will add some new trees and sustainable urban drainage which will include a range of low growing plants
  • we will remove a total of 26 trees. But we will plant 32 new trees. The new tree species are a good mix of species well suited to an urban environment. These will be planted with a special root protection system which will help them to thrive in the conditions. Notices will be placed on each of the 26 trees to be removed
  • we will keep two lanes on the approach to the roundabout

The scheme has been funded through the government’s Transforming Cities Fund and Active Travel Fund.  This money was only available to deliver improved sustainable travel or active travel projects.

If you have any questions, please contact Hakan Bikim [mailto:binleycycleway@coventry.gov.uk].

Places along the route 

  • City centre
  • Coventry University
  • Fargo
  • Gosford Green
  • Stoke Green
  • Stoke Park
  • Empress Buildings Shopping Arcade
  • Iceland
  • Lidl
  • Binley Business Park
  • Tesco
  • University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire

We have put together a cycle tour map, with the help of the Coventry Society [https://www.coventrysociety.org.uk/about-us/], to help you explore the heritage and history that can be found on or near Binley cycleway.  Take a look [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/7986/heritage-open-days-2024---binley-route-map] and see what surprises you might find!

Cycle Coventry

Address: Coventry City Council
PO Box 7097
Coventry
CV6 9SL

Coundon cycleway

Coundon Cycleway is a 2.75km two-way, fully segregated cycleway along the Coundon Road/Barker’s Butts Lane corridor linking the city centre with Coundon Green. This has been delivered as part of a package of measures to improve the air quality in Coventry. This money was given to the council by national government, for specific schemes in the Spon End and Holyhead Road areas designed to tackle air quality problems generated by motor vehicles. Coundon Cycleway is the city’s first high-quality “showcase” cycleway, and the design approach has since been followed on Binley Cycleway

The design of Coundon Cycleway aims to provide an easy and comfortable cycling experience that new and existing cyclists feel confident using. The route is direct and gives cyclists protection from traffic and prioritised travel through junctions.

The route is complete between Bablake School and Norman Place Road. The section between Bablake School and the Ring Road is awaiting completion as part of the Local Air Quality Action Plan [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/pollution-1/air-quality/2]. Pending completion of the scheme, a link was also created along Middleborough Road providing an alternative route away from town, avoiding the unfinished section of cycleway along Coundon Road.

Route

  • Norman Place Road
  • Bablake Playing Fields
  • Hollyfast Road
  • Christ the King
  • Westhill shops
  • Barkers Butts Lane
  • Moseley Park
  • Coundon shops
  • Bablake School
  • Coundon Road
  • Naul's Mill Park

We have put together a cycle tour map, with the help of the Coventry Society [https://www.coventrysociety.org.uk/about-us/], to help you explore the heritage and history that can be found on or near Coundon cycleway.  Take a look [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/7985/heritage-open-days-2024---coundon-route-map] and see what surprises you might find!

What does it look like?

The cycleway is a section of the highway dedicated for the use of people on cycles. It is positioned between the footpath and the road and is be physically separated from both using kerbs and a change in level. It has priority over side roads that it crosses and it’s own traffic signals at junctions and crossings.

Who is it aimed at?

The cycleway has been designed to help people that do not currently cycle because they fear for their safety. In a recent survey across the West Midlands, the biggest reason given for people not cycling is that they are ‘concerned about safety’ and the second reason is that people state they are ‘not confident cycling’.

In response to the survey, more than three out of four people think cycling safety isn’t good enough – and even more think it isn’t good enough for children. The cycleway has been designed with safety as the main aim by physically separating people on cycles from vehicular traffic. It is also direct and comfortable to ride on.

What are some of the benefits of cycling?

  • Improves physical health - regular cycling can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. It can also reduce the risks caused by an inactive lifestyle such as obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
  • Improves social inclusion - access to safe cycling facilities enables more people to take part in society by improving the ability and opportunity to travel
  • Improves mental health - Cycling can reduce stress, ease anxiety and reduce the risk of depression. Cycling also helps you sleep better, improves your memory and helps you feel good.
  • Improves air quality - fewer car trips being made means less pollution. Poor air quality is one of the top five risks to public health in the UK
  • Improves access to employment, education and leisure - cycling takes you from door to door. It opens up opportunities to households without a car and increases the number of possible destinations available compared to bus users

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Cycleway so wide?

The cycleway is “bi-directional” which means people on cycles pass each other in opposite directions and so the cycleway needs to be wide enough to allow this to happen safely. A typical upright cycle requires a width of one metre, but tricycles, recumbent cycles and physically adapted cycles require up to 1.2m, plus room to pass each other. Design standards, therefore, require a width of 3m and a buffer between the cycleway and road of at least 0.5metre.

Why is the road now so narrow?

When working out the width of a road, we need to consider factors such as how much traffic there will be, the type and mix of traffic, the speed limit and what other activity may take place on street such as loading or parking.

Two cars can pass in a width of 4.8 metres and two lorries can pass at 5.5 metres. However, the narrowest section of road left over after the cycleway is 6.2m – this measurement doesn’t include the on-street parking in designated bays. Hollyfast Road is now 6.8 metres wide which allows two cars to pass an occasional parked car on the carriageway, but larger vehicles would have to give way. Because Hollyfast Road has a low number of large vehicles and on-carriageway parking, a small amount of ‘give and take’ in this suburban residential location is acceptable as it helps reduce traffic speed.

How was the cycleway funded?

Coundon Cycleway was funded by a government grant that can only be used to implement the Local Air Quality Action Plan [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/pollution-1/air-quality/2].

Why can’t people just cycle on the roads?

Over half of the people asked tell us that safety is the largest barrier to cycling and a quarter of people say a lack of confidence is also an issue.

We want to help more people be able to cycle. Cycling has significant health and economic benefits as well as helping to reduce pollutants that cause poor air quality. We know that cycle tracks on roads that are physically separated from traffic and pedestrians enable more people to cycle.

When will the scheme be completed?

We are under a legal obligation from national government to deliver the Air Quality Action Plan [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/pollution-1/air-quality/2]. This includes completion of the Coundon Cycleway. However, recent completion of the works at Spon End and Junction 7 need to be evaluated before we continue with the plan or ask the government to allow us to make changes to the plan. More updates will be released on this page when we have a confirmed scheme and construction timescale.

Cycle Coventry

Address: Coventry City Council
PO Box 7097
Coventry
CV6 9SL

City centre cycleway

We are getting the city centre ready for some exciting developments. This includes a short demonstrator route for Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/coventry-light-rail] and a fully segregated cycleway. These will help reduce air pollution and make the city centre a healthier and safer place.

The cycleway will be located alongside the CVLR demonstrator route, starting from Greyfriars Green (Starley statue) all the way to Pool Meadow bus station. Work will begin on installing the cycleway once the first 20m of the VLR is laid down in 2025.

Contraflow cycling scheme

Changes will also be made to allow cyclists to travel in the opposite direction on a number of one-way traffic streets. The following streets will become contraflow streets for cyclists:

  • Bishop Street (from Tower Street to Ring Road)
  • Cheylesmore
  • Greyfriars Lane
  • Lamb Street
  • Manor Road
  • Salt Lane
  • St Patrick’s Road

This will make it easier for cyclists to access parts of the city centre that are further away from the proposed new segregated cycleway route.  In the main part, these works do not require substantial physical changes to the road, and there is no associated loss of car parking.

Who is it aimed at?

The cycleway has been developed and designed to accommodate the needs of people that do not usually cycle. In a recent survey, the biggest reason people gave for not cycling is that they are concerned about their safety, followed by a lack of confidence. The design of the cycleway aims to reduce those concerns by physically separating people on cycles with motor vehicles. 

What are some of the benefits of cycling?

  • Improves physical health - regular cycling can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. It can also reduce the risks caused by an inactive lifestyle such as obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
  • Improves social inclusion - access to safe cycling facilities enables more people to take part in society by improving the ability and opportunity to travel
  • Improves mental health - Cycling can reduce stress, ease anxiety and reduce the risk of depression. Cycling also helps you sleep better, improves your memory and helps you feel good.
  • Improves air quality - fewer car trips being made means less pollution. Poor air quality is one of the top five risks to public health in the UK
  • Improves access to employment, education and leisure - cycling takes you from door to door. It opens up opportunities to households without a car and increases the number of possible destinations available compared to bus users

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Cycleway so wide?

The cycleway is “bi-directional” which means people on cycles pass each other in opposite directions and so the cycleway needs to be wide enough to allow this to happen safely. A typical upright cycle requires a width of one metre, but tricycles, recumbent cycles and physically adapted cycles require up to 1.2m, plus room to pass each other. Design standards, therefore, require a width of 3m and a buffer between the cycleway and road of at least 0.5metre.

Why is the road now so narrow?

When working out the width of a road, we need to consider factors such as how much traffic there will be, the type and mix of traffic, the speed limit and what other activity may take place on street such as loading or parking.

Two cars can pass in a width of 4.8 metres and two lorries can pass at 5.5 metres. However, the narrowest section of road left over after the cycleway is 6.4m – this measurement doesn’t include the on-street parking in designated bays. Narrower roads help reduce traffic speeds, improving road safety for everyone.

How is the cycleway funded?

The City Centre cycleway is funded by the Government’s Active Travel Fund, which is only available for use on walking and cycling schemes.  This fund is also paying for changes to one-way streets to allow two-way cycling.

Why can’t people just cycle on the roads?

Over half of the people asked tell us that safety is the largest barrier to cycling and a quarter of people say a lack of confidence is also an issue. 

We want to help more people be able to cycle. Cycling has significant health and economic benefits as well as helping to reduce pollutants that cause poor air quality. We know that cycle tracks on roads that are physically separated from traffic and pedestrians enable more people to cycle.

When will the scheme be completed?

A construction timeline will be published as soon as it is confirmed, and updates will be pushed to this page to ensure people are kept informed.

Read more

Cycle Coventry

Address: Coventry City Council
PO Box 7097
Coventry
CV6 9SL

Future cycleway schemes

On 12 March 2024, the Council's Cabinet approved the 2024-25 Highways Capital Programme , which includes delivery or development of a number of cycleway schemes.

Foleshill cycleway - part of Foleshill Transport Package

  • Construction of improvements to Blue Ribbon roundabout started in August.  This will improve traffic flow, and provide better and safer pedestrian and cycle routes through the junction. More information about the construction works. [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/roads-highways-pavements/blue-ribbon-island-improvement-scheme]
  • Consultation has recently taken place on proposals for a cycleway along Foleshill Road, and feedback from this is currently being reviewed. The proposals will be reviewed and refined, with further consultation likely. The Foleshill area is in one of the most deprived parts of the city and is subject to significant public health inequalities, poor air quality, high traffic volumes and very low rates of walking and cycling, so the Foleshill Transport Package is aimed at tackling these issues by encouraging active travel and reducing the volume and speed of traffic.

London Road cycleway - part of Coventry South Transport Package

  • Construction work is complete at the junction of Abbey Road and London Road, delivering a new set of traffic lights with pedestrian and cycle crossings.  This scheme will facilitate new development, but also forms part of the wider Coventry South Transport Package.
  • The next phase of the London Road cycleway is now under construction, between Abbey Road and the Asda roundabout.  You can follow progress here [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/roads-highways-pavements/coventry-south-improvement-works].
  • Scheme development continues on the rest of the segregated cycle route along London Road.

Coundon cycleway - extension to Keresley

  • As part of the housing development in Keresley, funding has been secured to extend Coundon Cycleway to the new residential communities, via Coundon Park.
  • This project is funded by the Government's Active Travel Fund.

Eastern Green cycleway

  • To improve connectivity to the new housing in Eastern Green, we are developing a scheme for a cycleway along the Holyhead Road corridor between the city centre and Eastern Green.

As these projects develop, further information will be posted to this page.

Cycle Coventry

Address: Coventry City Council
PO Box 7097
Coventry
CV6 9SL
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