Please support our call for cycle provision as part of the A358 proposals by signing this petition Call for A358 cycle provision.
Thanks also to everyone who sent comments directly to Highways England.
As part of Highways England’s £250-£450m scheme to upgrade the A358, we call for:
1. A quality cycletrack between Ilminster and Taunton
2. Safe and attractive crossing to A358/Junction 25 at the M5-a bridge or a tunnel
3. Confirmation that wherever the road cuts across quiet rural lanes, safe crossings will be provided
Why is this important?
There is substantial scope to encourage more cycling to work and for other purposes, in the Ilminster-Taunton A358 corridor. There are numerous communities close by and a major 4000 job development is planned. Taunton is a designated Garden Town which means a bigger emphasis on sustainanble travel. The road scheme is an opportunity to address this. Doing it later will be far more costly. The A358 is a terrifying road to use. Why should people have to be terrified in order to take a simple journey? Instead, a cycletrack along the A358 could become part of the National Cycle Network benefiting families and children, as well as day to day cycling.
Please support our call for cycle provision as part of the A358 proposals by signing this petition. Thanks also to everyone who sent comments directly to Highways England.
I can not believe that highway England could contemplate this scheme without putting in this provision. Surely only those stuck in the 1980s could suggest such a flagrant disregard for cyclist safety!
As a keen cyclist I consider sound and safe provision for cyclists is important .
When we are trying to promote integrated transport systems and policy the approach taken to exclude cycling is contrary to national and local policy.
An essential part of a major project: more cyclists = fewer cars = improved traffic flow.
Can’t find how to sign petition but 100% support it – all new developments should include proper cycling provision.
Hi Julie
In the article on the TACC www there is a link which takes you directly to the petition … just click on “Call for A358 cycle provision” and it will take you there.
Many thanks for your support.
Ian
I would like to be able to cycle along this route in safety.
We need a wider network of cycle paths in and surrounding Taunton
Cyclists need to be taken into consideration. They do not pollute the atmosphere, they save the NHS a great deal of money because they are healthier than most people. They need to be recognised in this new scheme.
I live at West Hatch and cycling to Taunton via the A358 is extremely dangerous. The Dept for Transport minister has recently promised a review of cycling safety; this is in response to some high-profile stories of increased mortality and injuries to cyclists involved in accidents on the roads. NOW is the time to invest in providing cycleways which are separated from motor vehicles – especially when new roads are planned. Why is Britain so far behind the times when compared to more enlightened European countries?
Support petition, particularly crossing of M5 linking Taunton to new development. Hope that new development will help to fund this.