Newcastle is set to benefit from a major expansion of its cycling network after the city secured £5.7 million of Government investment for new and improved routes.
The successful bid to the Cycle City Ambition Fund will support Newcastle Labour’s plans to create a network of seven major cycle routes connecting communities across the city with the city centre, employment, training and major new housing developments.
Newcastle City Council is providing a further £6 million local contribution, taking planned investment associated with the successful bid to almost £12 million.
The programme will particularly focus on improving connections from communities where cycling levels are currently lower and making it easier and safer for residents to make everyday journeys by bike.
Three major radial routes are planned using the new funding, running east through Byker, west towards Elswick and north towards Gosforth.
The northern route will extend along the Great North Road towards Newcastle Great Park, connecting one of the city’s major areas of new housing with employment opportunities and the city centre.
The new infrastructure will form part of a wider network of seven routes, making use of existing cycling facilities as well as linking into major improvements being made in Newcastle city centre.
An Active Travel Centre is also planned to support the programme, providing facilities including cycle maintenance, parking and information for residents.
Almost £1 million of Newcastle public-health funding is being invested alongside the programme, recognising the potential for increased cycling and active travel to improve residents’ health.
Labour’s longer-term ambition is for 12 per cent of journeys of less than five miles in Newcastle to be made by bike within the next ten years.
The successful bid means Newcastle is one of just eight English cities receiving investment through the Government’s Cycle City Ambition Fund.
Council Leader Cllr Nick Forbes said: “Securing £5.7 million for Newcastle gives us a major opportunity to improve the way people can travel around our city.
“We want to build a connected network that makes cycling a realistic choice for many more everyday journeys, linking communities with jobs, training, new housing and the city centre.
“Together with the council’s own investment, this gives us the opportunity to make substantial improvements across Newcastle and ensure that residents have more choice in how they get around.
“Our ambition is to make Newcastle a healthier, better-connected city, with safe and practical alternatives available for shorter journeys.”