Improved path at The Ride helps get Plymouth cycling

A new widened path opens on Thursday 1 June as part of ongoing efforts to encourage cycling in Plymouth.

The city’s cycling network continues to grow with a widened path alongside The Ride, linking Laira Rail Bridge into the National Trust Saltram Estate. Future plans nearby also include an improved walking and cycling route linking Laira Rail Bridge with the Barbican, part of the South West Coast path and National Cycle Network route 27. The schemes support Plymouth City Council’s Plymotion initiative to encourage more people to get on their bikes.

The path has been fully funded by the Heart of South West Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Transport Board and developer contributions. Councillor Patrick Nicholson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Transport, Planning and Housing for Plymouth City Council, said: "This latest improvement further improves people's opportunity to cycle away from traffic and can be part of a day out to enjoy the National Trust’s improved  multi-use trails at Saltram.

“Cycling has increased by 50 per cent in Plymouth over the last six years, thanks to a growing network of routes across the city and free cycle training which can be personally tailored to you through our Plymotion scheme.”

Other plans are also being worked up to further extend the route from Laira Rail Bridge to the Saltram Meadow development to provide a direct link into Broxton Drive, which will also connect into the proposed pedestrian and cycle bridge crossing over Billacombe Road.

For more information about Plymotion, visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/plymotion