WORK on a new 2.3km cycle path and walking improvements through Wimborne and Colehill started on Monday.

It is the first sustainable travel route funded through BCP Council and Dorset Council’s multi-million pound transforming travel fund.

The work marks the start of south east Dorset’s largest ever investment in sustainable travel infrastructure creating 78kms of new cycling and walking routes for eco-friendly, safe and healthy journeys to work, education and leisure.

As well as the new 2.3km two-way cycleway in Leigh Road and Wimborne Road West, new parallel crossings in Leigh Road will be constructed, and the speed limit from Canford Bottom roundabout to Brook Road will be reduced from 40mph to 30pmh.

Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: “We are dedicated to ensuring we can all enjoy a cleaner, greener and healthier place to live, work, and visit.

“Putting the needs of the community front and centre, the project aims to support safe alternatives to the car and improve the user experience for everyone.

“The cycleway will benefit so many local people. Parents who have children in local schools will hopefully share my enthusiasm that their children can ride their bikes and scooters safely in the knowledge that the speed limit has been reduced.

“Wheelchair and mobility scooter users have two new crossings across the road. The walkways and cycle routes will provide easy access to play areas, leisure facilities and common land.

“Those commuting to Ferndown Industrial Estate will find themselves with increased options on how to travel to their place of work.”

Councillor Mike Greene, portfolio holder for transport and sustainability at BCP Council said: “We’re really excited to see the start of construction on south east Dorset’s first green travel route that will transform local travel, particularly for short journeys.

“It gives people real options about how they can get out and about locally without necessarily having to use the car.

“Being able to walk, cycle, scoot or run to work, school or for leisure has tremendous benefits for the environment, economy and people’s health and wellbeing.”

The work, due to be complete at the end of 2021, is being funded through the transforming cities fund and local contributions. BCP Council and Dorset Council secured £79 million through the department for transport’s transforming cities fund in March 2020.