POOLE LA 21 - Cycling Initiatives

POOLE AGENDA 21

Improved Provision for Cycles in the Conurbation Project

Last year, the Poole/Bournemouth connurbation had the fastest deteriorating average road speed of any city in the UK. Poole LA21 is working to promote the opportunities for better pedestrian, cycling and public transport facilities to assist in reducing road congestion, improve air quality, and a better urban environment.

We are working to lobby the councils, and to inform the public of what we need to change. The greatest argument is won by people making the effort to get 'on yer bike'.

Poole Cycleways . / . Commuting - Promenade and Wessex Way . / . National Cycleways . / . (LA21 Projects)

National Cycleroutes

Dorset County Council commissioned Sustrans in 1998 to propose the possible national cycle routes through the county. The routes through the Borough of Poole are mainly suggested to make use of existing cyclepaths.

The aim of the National Cycleways in Dorset is not clear. In adopting existing cycleways of varying grades, some parts of the route will be good for mountain bikes, others for all users, and the whole route from Dorchester to Wareham appears to be a compromise between three possible routes, neither fitting the leisure or commuting needs precisely.

NR 2 - Dorchester to Poole The main route is planned along the Frome valley, to visit Wareham, with a spur to Corfe Castle, and around the south of Poole Harbour to Sandbanks. From Sandbanks, it uses hilly and busy roads on towards county gates gyratory and Bournemouth. We would much prefer a more southern route.
A northern branch is also proposed from Wareham via Sandford and Upton into Poole, rejoining the southern route at Lilliput. Poole Agenda 21 strongly support the provision of a northern route to enhance links between Wareham, Sandford, Holton Heath and Poole, although we have concerns about the suggested route. However, this confirms a circular route around Poole Harbour, which is very desirable for day trips from the conurbation to the Purbecks.
2002 Update The northern route has not been pursued, but the use of the old military railway from the entrance of Lychett Bay to Holton Heath station would be a wonderful resource.
NR 25 - Poole to Frome The ferry terminus at Hamworthy is considered an important possibility for European cycle-tourists. Apart from the lowest section, the route utilises the existing Roman Road/Broadstone railway route to Merley. Better cycle provision in Lower Hamworthy has been mapped out by Poole Agenda 21 in detail, and potential conflict with pedestrians at peak time in Upton Country park needs to be considered.
2002 Update The bottom end of the route was changed to pass down the eastern side of Holes Bay to Poole Town Centre. The link with the ferry port is hazardous, and whilst we are working with BoP on ensuring cycling is considered in the proposals for the new Poole Bridge, the route effectively finishes at Baiter Park.
NR 2 & 25- Poole to Christchurch The route from Poole Centre and the Sandbanks ferry follows the present hilly and devious advisory cycleroute along backroads through Branksome Park to the very busy County Gates gyratory and into Bournemouth Borough. We would far prefer to see the promenade used off peak, with a more southern route for use at peak times.
Route 25 Frome to Poole

NR 2 - Dorchester to Poole	The main route is planned along the Frome valley, to visit Wareham, with a spur to Corfe Castle, and around the south of Poole Harbour to Sandbanks. From Sandbanks, it uses hilly and busy roads on towards county gates gyratory and Bournemouth. We would much prefer a more southern route. A northern branch is also proposed from Wareham via Sandford and Upton into Poole, rejoining the southern route at Lilliput. Poole Agenda 21 strongly support the provision of a northern route to enhance links between Wareham, Sandford, Holton Heath and Poole, although we have concerns about the suggested route. However, this confirms a circular route around Poole Harbour, which is very desirable for day trips from the conurbation to the Purbecks. 2002 Update The northern route has not been pursued, but the use of the old military railway from the entrance of Lychett Bay to Holton Heath station would be a wonderful resource.
NR 25 - Poole to Frome	The ferry terminus at Hamworthy is considered an important possibility for European cycle-tourists. Apart from the lowest section, the route utilises the existing Roman Road/Broadstone railway route to Merley. Better cycle provision in Lower Hamworthy has been mapped out by Poole Agenda 21 in detail, and potential conflict with pedestrians at peak time in Upton Country park needs to be considered. 2002 Update The bottom end of the route was changed to pass down the eastern side of Holes Bay to Poole Town Centre. The link with the ferry port is hazardous, and whilst we are working with BoP on ensuring cycling is considered in the proposals for the new Poole Bridge, the route effectively finishes at Baiter Park.
NR 2 & 25- Poole to Christchurch	The route from Poole Centre and the Sandbanks ferry follows the present hilly and devious advisory cycleroute along backroads through Branksome Park to the very busy County Gates gyratory and into Bournemouth Borough. We would far prefer to see the promenade used off peak, with a more southern route for use at peak times.

We have been working with other local groups on possibilities.

the local branch of the CTC (Cycle Touring Club)
East Dorset FOE
Dorset Cyclists Network
Greenlink planning a network of safe routes for all non motorised travellers

and with the Highways department of the Borough of Poole.

If you would like to contribute to discussions, we would be pleased to hear from you.

To find out more about any of our projects, contact LA21 volunteers

Return to Poole LA21 Home page