Reading Station Subway - Proposal to Revoke Prohibition of Cycling

Overview

Reading Borough Council has already put a scheme in to make further improvements to the underpass to benefit residents using it. There is a desire to improve the cycle route linking between the north and south sides of Reading Railway Station, which currently presents a barrier with the prohibition of cycling in place along the subway. Due to improvements that are planned for increasing the height of the subway, this statutory consultation proposes to revoke this cycling prohibition, creating a shared-use (pedestrian/cyclist) facility.

The subway is for pedestrians only, with cyclists being encouraged to dismount and walk their bikes through it rather than cycle through it. Reading Borough Council is proposing to follow up this substantial investment by removing the historic cycling ban through the underpass, which will be made possible when the ceiling is upgraded. It will provide direct and well-lit cycle access to and from the town centre and Caversham.

The proposal aligns with the principles of the Council’s Local Transport Plan (LTP), Local Cycling, Walking and Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), Climate Emergency Strategy and Health and Wellbeing Strategy by addressing lower emissions and the removal barriers to the greater use of sustainable, healthy transport options.

Objections or comments should be sent in by:

• Filling out the online survey below
• Emailing transport@reading.gov.uk
• Or in writing to M Graham, Head of Legal and Democratic Services, Reading Borough Council, Civic Offices, Reading, RG1 2L

by no later than 23th February 2023. Please quote ref Station Subway if you are responding by email or post.