Cyclists Urge Somerset Council to Maintain Celebrated Road Layout

Cycling advocates in Bridgwater are calling on the Somerset Council to maintain the current design of the Celebration Mile for at least another five to ten years. This initiative, which aims to enhance cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, is currently in its final stages of completion, supported by a government grant of £9 million from the Bridgwater town deal.

Concerns have been raised regarding the project amid a series of road closures and construction delays, which have impacted local businesses. The Bridgwater Area Cycling Campaign (BACC) is urging the council to resist making any immediate changes, emphasizing the long-term benefits of prioritizing non-motorized traffic in the town centre.

While the Eastover section of the Celebration Mile is nearing completion, final adjustments are still underway on the Angel Crescent and Clare Street segments. All three sections are expected to be fully operational by early November 2023. In a recent statement, Bill Revans, the Liberal Democrat leader of Somerset Council, indicated his willingness to review the scheme and consider necessary alterations.

In response, Colin Gummer, BACC’s communications manager, expressed concerns over reverting to two-way traffic. He articulated his belief that the new layout significantly favors pedestrians and cyclists, stating, “The Celebration Mile has been over a decade in the making. The plans for this new layout were put out for public consultation more than three years ago – where was your petition then?”

The BACC has played a role in various walking and cycling initiatives in Bridgwater over recent years, including the path connecting the Dunball roundabout to the Northgate Docks. This path is part of the town’s local cycling and walking infrastructure plan, which aims to extend routes toward the proposed gigafactory in Puriton.

Concerns about safety and accessibility have been raised, with Gummer warning that undoing the progress made could make the town centre less safe for pedestrians and cyclists, ultimately deterring visitors to local shops. He noted, “We take it for granted that Fore Street is a safe place to walk… Would these politicians also like to make Bridgwater’s High Street two-way again?”

As part of the ongoing £5.2 million regeneration scheme at Northgate Docks, further improvements for walking and cycling will be introduced, including a new bridge over the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal.

Local resident Dave Chapple, who has lived on Eastover since 1987, criticized those opposing the Celebration Mile changes, claiming they are capitalizing on popular sentiment. He emphasized that the alterations would not significantly prolong driving times. “It only takes two or three minutes longer to access Asda via the Cross Rifles roundabout,” he said.

Chapple also highlighted the increase in two-way traffic through Eastover, resulting in diminished driver behavior and safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists. He remarked on the positive impact of the current one-way system, expressing hope for a harmonious coexistence of pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers in the area.

As the Celebration Mile nears completion, the BACC and local residents advocate for patience, urging the council to allow time to evaluate the benefits of the changes. Gummer concluded, “See how it feels in five or ten years’ time. You never know – it might be quite nice.”