Sapphire Way consultation

Proposed Sapphire Way cycle path link along Cambridge Street, Aylesbury
 
As part of Buckinghamshire County Council’s commitment to improving pedestrian and cycling facilities in Aylesbury, we are proposing a new more direct link on the Sapphire Way cycle path, the design for which is enclosed.
 
As part of the scheme we intend to widen the section of footway along Cambridge Street on the south side from its junctions with Park Street and Upper Hundreds Way. We are also proposing the installation of red surfacing across side road junctions consistent with other junction treatments across the town.   The new route will make use of the underpass on Upper Hundreds Way and provide a more direct route into town for pedestrians and cyclists.

This scheme has come about in response to requests from local cycling groups, current users as well as local residents. The existing Sapphire Way cycle path runs from Bierton to the town centre and is currently well used by pedestrians and cyclists. The installation of this link in the Gemstone Cycle Way network is seen as key to providing an attractive alternative mode of travel for residents of Bierton and surrounding residential areas to the north to make short journeys into Aylesbury by bike. These improvements will also benefit pedestrians and builds on the regeneration work making Cambridge Street more attractive. 

From traffic count data along the Sapphire Way, it has been noticed that a large number of cyclists are continuing along Cambridge Street rather than using the signed route along Park Street. They are currently doing this illegally with the potential for conflict with pedestrians in this area. Therefore we are proposing the widening of the footway on Cambridge Street to provide more room for all users, as well as the segregation of the route so that pedestrians and cyclists are separate reducing the potential for conflict.  

As you will see from the enclosed plan it is proposed to segregate the underpass to access the town centre, so that cyclists are encouraged to use one half of the pavement and pedestrians the other. Our cyclists monitoring data indicates that more than 200 cyclists already use this underpass a week. By providing the proposed segregation, safety of all users will be improved, as people will be more aware of the potential for cyclists to be using the underpass. It is worth noting that pedestrians have right of way on the footway, and therefore cyclists will need to give way at all times. This message is communicated to cyclists through literature produced by the Cycle Aylesbury team.

The underpass has been prone to flooding in recent spells of bad weather. Further investigation of this problem is ongoing, and it is hoped that this problem can be eradicated as part of this scheme.

The Sapphire Way route improvements are part of a programme of works for Aylesbury’s Gemstone Cycleways. The creation of this widened and improved path along Cambridge Street is an important link in improving the continuity of routes for cyclists and pedestrians to the town centre and will contribute to increased safety and enjoyment of the route.   

Funding for this improvement is being provided by Central Government via a grant from Cycling England and is therefore an excellent opportunity to upgrade this area, renew the condition of the pavements and upgrade dropped crossing points to make it easier for disabled users to travel in this area, whilst improving conditions for cyclists. This funding can not be used for any other purpose and has been awarded for this scheme only.

You are invited to comment on the proposal by writing to us at 10th Floor, County Hall, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1UY by no later than Friday 11th June 2010.