Work to begin on a new Kenilworth-to-Leamington cycle route

Construction on a long-mooted cycle route between Kenilworth and Leamington is to begin.

The route, known as K2L, was given the final approval by Warwickshire County Council’s transport portfolio holder, Councillor Wallace Redford.

The scheme will involve the construction of a new cycle track alongside the east side of Kenilworth Road between Binswood Avenue and Northumberland Road and a new signed cycle route along Beauchamp Road and Binswood Avenue between Leamington Spa town centre and Kenilworth Road.

The first phase of construction will be concerned with Leamington’s Parade and the edge of the town and will take place between January and mid-April.

This will see the construction of a fully segregated two-way cycle track along much of the route and the introduction of priority side road crossings reflecting the recent updates to the Highway Code.

The K2L scheme is part of the County Council’s programme to improve and extend the network of walking and cycling routes in and around Warwickshire’s towns.

“People have been talking about this route since 1986 so it is exciting that we may finally see spades in the ground.”

–Tony Lewenz

The aim is to create a safe and attractive environment for walking, wheeling, and cycling, so that they become the natural choices for shorter journeys and outdoor recreation in Warwickshire.

Cllr Redford said: “I am pleased to see that work is getting underway to deliver this key cycle link and I am very grateful to local residents and stakeholders who provided comments on the original proposals last Autumn.

“We have reviewed the designs and looked in detail at the feedback. This has enabled us to make a number of changes and refinements to the original proposals.

“Some of the changes are being included in the current construction works, whilst other elements will be subject to further consultation.

“This key cycle link will contribute towards our ambitions to develop comprehensive cycle route networks in Warwickshire’s main towns and make cycling a natural choice for local journeys, helping to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, tackle congestion and support physical activity.”

Cycleways, the volunteer group which campaigns for better cycle provision, welcomed the news.

Susan Rasmussen, the recently elected chair of Cycleways, said: “It is great to see that work is finally getting underway but we are still a long way off this being a complete route between the two towns.

“Nonetheless, the first phase will provide a great opportunity for those in the north of the town to travel sustainably into the town centre, creating healthier, greener and cleaner streets for all.

“As a voluntary organisation, Cycleways campaigns for high-quality cycle infrastructure that is suitable for all ages and abilities. We will continue to push for the route to be completed in full, as it is only then that the full benefits will be realised. We have a long-term vision for a Visionary Cycle Network that will offer the same opportunity to all our town’s residents.”

Tony Lewenz, the vice chair of Cycleways, said: “Cycleways was set up in 1995 and ever since has pushed for K2L as its top priority.

“Not just our members, but the public as a whole, want to see this route completed – time and again improved cycle routes top consultations on how we should improve people’s lives. People have been talking about this route since 1986 so it is exciting that we may finally see spades in the ground.”