A NEW cycle path in Thornbury has been approved despite concerns it could cause anti-social behaviour.
The path will run from Thornbury to Alveston and provide a safer alternative to the steep and narrow road linking the two areas.
Construction is expected to start in spring next year, allowing people to walk or cycle from Alveston to Thornbury safely.
But some councillors at South Gloucestershire Council criticised the plans, with one saying “youths on electric scooters will use it as a racetrack”.
Benches along the path were also a concern, with a neighbour living next to the route saying she was concerned about security.
The development management committee on Thursday, July 4, narrowly voted to approve planning permission for the path.
Andy Whitehead, from the council’s transport department, said: “Many people can’t drive and rely on parents or other people to drive them around, and this particularly impacts young people.
"[Cycling] is a very cheap and reliable mode of transport which has huge benefits on health and the environment.
“Many people don’t consider it a viable option, citing most often that it’s too dangerous to cycle on our roads.
"This proposal seeks to address that, providing a safe, comfortable and attractive alternative to Thornbury Hill.
"This is a distance that many people can and will travel if the conditions are right.”
An artist's impression of the proposed scheme looking north towards Thornbury (Image: South Gloucestershire Council)
The cycle route would run near Alveston Hill (Image: Google Maps)
The plans received public support, including from cycling campaigners, as the road linking Alveston and Thornbury is dangerous and unpleasant to cycle or walk on, with frequent fast cars coming around narrow bends.
But the plans also sparked some concerns among locals.
Nancy North, a local resident, said: “My husband and I aren't opposed to the route in principle, we're keen cyclists and recognise the health and safety benefits to the wider community.
"Our major concern is security.
"There will be many more people walking, cycling and gathering along our boundary, some of whom will no doubt be using e-scooters.
"Avon and Somerset Police have raised concerns about the risk of anti-social behaviour along the route, and especially around the seating areas.”
Conservative Councillor Paul Hughes added: “Who the hell is going to go up there on a daily basis, unless they happen to be Chris Froome?
"I nearly got run down this morning by a youth, dressed in black with a hoodie on, on an electric scooter.
"You’ll have people using it as a leisure thing with youths and all sorts of people flying up and down that hill using it as a racetrack.”
A correction has been made by the LDRS to paragraph 13 and 14.
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