DYNAMO’S PROPOSAL FOR -LANCASTER OFF-ROAD ROUTE – FROM 2014

July 2014 Dynamo’s petition on the City Council website closes with 2,412 signatures http://council.lancashire.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=68&RPID=5756065 &HPID=5756065

Our vision To establish a direct dedicated cycle route between the centre of Heysham and Lancaster, by linking Snatchems, by the , to Clay Lane on Heysham Moss (which connects to Abingdon Grove in Heysham). This would be a strategic improvement to the existing cycle infrastructure.

Why? Currently Heysham lacks the kind of direct cycle route to Lancaster enjoyed by , Halton, Caton, Lancaster University and Glasson Dock. With the power station and the port, Heysham is a centre for employment; with its expanding residential areas, it is also a place from where people travel to work in Lancaster and beyond. There is also potential for tourism– both to tourists based in the area and to those travelling on to the via Heysham port.

At present, cyclists commuting between Heysham and Lancaster must either take a long cycle path route via Morecambe or else use Mellishaw Lane or the bypass. Some people may feel confident using the roads, but less experienced cyclists are likely to be deterred by it. The completion of this route would involve reclassifying and upgrading footpaths to create a safe and direct off-road route for commuters and families. This would reduce the journey from the centre of Heysham to Salt Ayre sports centre by a full mile from 4.5 to 3.5 miles, making this valuable facility accessible to Heysham families and enabling children to make the journey on their own.

Funding? See DONG Walney Extension Community Fund (http://www.grantscape.org.uk/fund/walney-extension-community-fund/) and plans for expansion now that the Bay Gateway is open (e.g. Hillside Farm, planning ref 17/01307/FUL – and Lancaster Guardian front page 23.11.17).

https://lancasterdynamo.wordpress.com//November 2017