A new 2.3-mile 'leisure loop' for cyclists looks set to be created around the western area of the Downs.
Cyclists and pedestrians will also no longer have to dodge each other on the pavement beside Durdham Down, under plans given the nod by the common’s owners on January 20.
The Downs Committee gave their blessing for cyclists to take over the tarmac footpath which runs alongside the A4018 between the top of Blackboy Hill and Badminton College.
Pedestrians - including runners, wheelchair users and people strolling with prams - will get their own specially-constructed path a few metres away on Durdham Down itself.
The plans, which still require planning approval, are part of a wider scheme to reduce traffic on the A4018 and improve cycling and walking facilities on the Downs.
To begin with, signage will be the only indication that the pavement has become a cycle way, but the route will be properly segregated once funding becomes available.
The path on Durdham Down will be at least 2m wide and made of a material yet to be specified.
Monday’s decision by the Downs Committee, which represents Bristol City Council and the Society of Merchant Venturers, follows the rejection of an earlier proposal for two shared-use paths side-by-side: one on the pavement and one on the common.
The acceptance of the revised plan means council officers can now finalise the proposal and submit a planning application.
Stoke Bishop councillor and Downs Committee member Peter Abraham told the meeting: “I see this as a vast improvement on the previous plan.”
The new 'leisure loop'
The committee also gave their support to plans for a 2.3-mile “leisure loop” of new 3m-wide, shared-use paths for walkers, runners and cyclists around the western area of the Downs.
The proposed loop would follow Rockleaze and Downleaze, Circular Road, Ladies Mile and a short part of Stoke Road.
Circular Road could become one way or get traffic calming measures to enforce the 20mph speed limit under the plans.
The new path along Rockleaze and Downleaze would lead to a proposed new cafe at Seawalls if the controversial steel and glass structure is eventually built. A government planning inspector has denied permission for its construction but the Downs Committee is free to resubmit its application.
The leisure loop proposal was developed by Cycle Sunday working with the local charity Greenways and Cycleroutes.
It is part of a larger and more complex plan for improving cycling and walking on the Downs which dates from 2015.
Following the committee’s approval, Cycle Sunday plans to work with a subgroup of the committee to finalise details of the leisure loop before a planning application is submitted.
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