Work on Transforming Cities Fund’s first sustainable travel routes in the BCP area will start at the end of May.

There will be a new cycle route along Whitelegg Way and cycle and walking improvements in Bournemouth's Upper Gardens.

In total, four cycle routes will be created through the, mostly government-funded, project alongside two “sustainable travel corridors”.

Its aim is to encourage more people to use transport methods other than cars.

The routes are: 

  • Bournemouth railway station to/from Jumpers Common, Christchurch
  • Bournemouth town centre to/from Ferndown 
  • Poole town centre to/from Wareham Road and Holton Heath 
  • Poole town centre to/from Merley, Poole 
  • Poole town centre to/from Ferndown and Wimborne 
  • Merley, Poole to/from Christchurch 

Here's a look at what's happening with the first two travel routes when work starts next month. 

What's happening?

Whitelegg Way

New protected cycle tracks running on both sides of Whitelegg Way in Northbourne will form part of a 13km sustainable travel route between Merley and Christchurch.

The aim is to improve journeys by bike, foot and bus.

Bournemouth's Upper Gardens 

The existing shared cycle and footpath in Bournemouth’s Upper Gardens is set to benefit from widening, resurfacing and better lighting, improving the route for pedestrians and cyclists.

The work forms part of the 14km sustainable travel route between Bournemouth town centre and Ferndown.

What changes will I see?

Whitelegg Way

Bournemouth Echo:

  • a new, dedicated (segregated from traffic) 850m cycle track along both sides of Whitelegg Way between Redhill roundabout and Northbourne roundabout providing a protected route for cyclists
  • reducing the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph along Whitelegg Way to make the road safer for drivers and cyclists
  • Changing how vehicles can use the junction between Wimborne Road (known as the slip road) and Whitelegg Way. Vehicles will no longer be able to turn left from Wimborne Road onto Whitelegg Way. Vehicles will continue to be able to turn right. This change will provide dedicated space for people cycling when they are waiting at the junction and reduce waiting times for buses and other vehicles.
  • Traffic lights at the Whitelegg Way/Wimborne road will be upgraded to provide a head start for cyclists in front of vehicles when lights turn green
  • Improving and relocating the existing crossing near Northbourne Roundabout so it can be used by people cycling and walking
  • bus stop improvements including new shelters and real time information along Wimborne road
  • new wayfinding/directional signage

Upper Gardens

Bournemouth Echo:

  • widening and resurfacing the existing cycle/footpath through the gardens. Path divided between walkers and cyclists by low, raised delineating lines (punctuated with fully shared areas)
  • lighting improvements
  • widening of the existing pavement on the eastern side of Prince of Wales Road and Queens Road, creating shared space for pedestrians and cyclists, with new crossings on both roads
  • changing junction layouts where Prince of Wales Road, Benellen Avenue and Queens Road meet Branksome Wood Road, giving more priority to people walking and cycling

When will the work take place?

Work on Whitelegg Way and Upper Gardens is due to start on May 17.

How long will it take?

It will take around 20 weeks.

Who is doing the work?

It will be delivered by BCP Council. 

Why is the work being done?

Julian McLaughlin, director of transport and engineering for BCP Council, said: “We’re excited to see the cycling, walking and bus improvements funded through the Transforming Cities Fund get underway in BCP Council area – it’s all part of our ambition to transform local travel and give people greater options and confidence to get out and about locally without having to rely on the car. 

"The benefits of sustainable travel are well proven and are helping us to build a greener, healthier and better-connected region.”