THE new cycleway on Whitelegg Way (Letters, May 16) is largely being created by narrowing the width of the existing road, with just 50cms of the verge being used.

BCP Council undertook ecological and arboriculture consultation prior to the works.

No significant flora, fauna or tree issues were identified.

Temporary fencing will be installed to protect tree roots during construction.

There has been routine vegetation clearance along the verges and the area will be fully restored once the works complete.

The new cycleway on Whitelegg Way provides a safe, direct route separated from traffic and will eventually form part of a 13km sustainable travel route between Merley and Christchurch.

The benefits of sustainable travel are well proven.

It’s our ambition to transform local travel and give people eco-friendly, healthy options to get out and about without having to rely on their car.

The improvements are being funded through the £100+ million Transforming Cities Fund which aims to improve productivity and prosperity through investment in public and sustainable transport.

JULIAN MCLAUGHLIN

Service director, transport and engineering, BCP Council