Thornaby cycleways improvements

The Council is proposing to deliver a joined-up network of cycle routes across Thornaby to improve access to the town centre, running from Westbury Street, through the northern section of Thornaby, through Alison Trainer Park, the town centre, Trenchard Avenue and Thornaby Road.

It will also connect with existing cycle infrastrucutre in the south.

The proposed network of cycle routes were developed as a result of the Let's Talk About Our Towns' consultation, which found that better links to cycleways and footpaths should be considered as a high priority for the future of Thornaby.

The proposed cycle infrastructure would include:

• segregated facilities for cycle use only
• two way cycle routes allowing bicycle movement in both directions
• shared walking and cycling facilities
• on carriageway cycle routes
• new crossings
• additional cycle signage

Funding

This project is being funded as part of the £23.9million Thornaby Town Deal. One of the key priorities of the Town Investment Plan, created by the Town Deal Board, is to create new cycle and footpath infrastrucutre, linking the town centre and other key assets.

Find out more about the Town Deal and the Town Deal Board.

The Government's Town Deal programme funding aims to regenerate towns and deliver long-term economic and productivity growth. This is through investments in urban regeneration, connectivity, skills and heritage and enterprise infrastructure.

Public engagement

The cycleways proposals were available to view and comment on in September 2023.

There were 23 responses received in total, however 1 of these was a duplicate return and has been removed from the sample. Of the 22 responses, 55 per cent were of a positive or general sentiment and 32 per cent were of a negative sentiment.

Some of the themes and concerns expressed in the comments included:

• request for further information on specific routes as the designs progress
• request to review existing cycle infrastructure and see where improvements are required
• why the funding is being used for cycle infrastructure improvements
• concern as to why certain areas of Thornaby were not included in the cycle routes

The proposed network was chosen after considering suitable locations in Thornaby which connected key employment sites and existing infrastructure in the town. Due to limitations on public highway widths available, it is not possible to provide cycle routes to current standards on certain streets in the town.

Next steps

The Council will review all of the comments and will begin a period of detailed design, which will consider the issues raised.

Once detailed designs are agreed there will be a tender process and a Statutory Consultation will take place with residents directly affected by the works.