Guildford’s Active Travel Proposals to Undergo Reconsideration

Councillors are set to re-evaluate a previous decision to decline proposals designed to promote cycling and walking within Guildford. This £6 million active travel initiative, which proposed the establishment of separate footpaths and cycleways, faced rejection due to apprehensions that cyclists might pose a risk to pedestrian safety. According to the Guildford Bike User Group (G-Bug), the proposed plans would offer “significantly safer for both pedestrians and cyclists than the current roads and paths”. Tim Oliver, leader of Surrey County Council, stated that the “strength of feeling from the local community” was a factor considered. On Tuesday, the council’s communities, environment and highways select committee reviewed a determination made by the council’s cabinet to reject the proposals for London Road, a principal access route into Guildford from the A3, contrary to the advice of officers. Following this review, the committee voted to recommend that the cabinet re-examine its decision. G-Bug indicated that it had previously communicated with the council, expressing concerns that the cabinet’s decision might not have adhered to the correct legal procedures. A spokesperson remarked, “The council decision appears to ignore a number of important considerations, including the overwhelming evidence that the new scheme is significantly safer for both pedestrians and cyclists than the current roads and paths.” The spokesperson added, “The decision also takes account of matters that aren’t relevant, such as floating bus stops, which were removed from the scheme in 2023.” Nikki Roberts, chief executive of Surrey Coalition of Disabled People, stated that her organization was “strongly opposing” proposals for shared spaces at bus stops and on pavements. She conveyed to BBC Radio Surrey, “Blind, visually impaired, disabled, older and vulnerable bus passengers should be able to get on and off the bus independently directly from/to the pavement as they have always done.” Mr. Oliver affirmed that the council had taken into account the safety concerns articulated by the group. He stated: “Alongside both the strength of feeling from the local community and the findings of an independent technical review about the London Road scheme, cabinet members decided not to proceed with this part of the proposal at their meeting on 29 October.” He further noted that most votes cast during the Tuesday meeting supported sending the decision back to the cabinet for further consideration. A subsequent meeting is scheduled for 26 November.