Cyclists in Cumbrian village awarded huge £600,000 investment to install new cycleway

A village in Cumbria has received £600,000 in funding to build a new off-road path to boost cycling and improve safety.

National Highways provided the funding for the new cycleway alongside Foundry Road and High Lowca in the Cumbrian village of Lowca.

The enhancements were delivered by Cumberland Council and Walk Wheel Cycle Trust to create two new road crossings in a bid to help people access the route more safely.

Hadrian's Cycleway runs through the village of Lowca, which is located south west of Carlisle, as part of Route 72 of the National Cycle Network.

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Prior to the enhancements, some users complained that the route took people onto a road with "challenging junctions".

Restrictive barriers on the car-free path were removed in Lowca Park, which previously prevented people with wheelchairs and pushchairs from getting past.

Cyclists and pedestrians can now access the park and use a wider path, avoid inaccessible barriers and follow fresh signage.

Freda Rashdi, National Highways' Head of Customer Journeys, noted that the improvements will give more people in the area the opportunity to use the route for short journeys.

This will also help alleviate traffic pressures on the A595 between Workington and Whitehaven, which is described as a "vital link" for residents and businesses.

"We're proud to use our Designated Funds to invest in the environment and communities living and working near our roads," Ms Rashdi said.

The upgrade to Hadrian's Cycleway forms part of a nationwide programme to improve the National Cycle Network.

More than £80million has been invested in the network by National Highways since the start of the decade to improve connections and boost active travel.

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Carole Patrick, Director of the National Cycle Network, said: "At Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, we're committed to improving the accessibility of National Cycle Network routes, so more people can access the benefits of walking, wheeling and cycling.

"This project offers local people a safer, more attractive route away from motorised traffic, helping them to get to work, school and local services."

Ms Patrick also highlighted how the funding will boost tourism in the local area as cyclists embark on the coast-to-coast route between Cumberland and Tyneside.

National Highways stated that it aims to make a positive difference by protecting the environment and enhancing the landscape around roads.

Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said: "We are really pleased to see these improvements delivered in Lowca, helping to create a safer and more accessible route for everyone who wants to walk, wheel or cycle.

"This scheme builds on our wider work to improve connections along Hadrian's Cycleway and supports safer everyday journeys to school, work and local services.

"By removing barriers and improving crossings, we are making it easier for people of all ages and abilities to get around.

"It is a great example of what can be achieved through partnership working, and we are grateful to National Highways and our delivery partners for helping bring these benefits to the local community."

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