On your bike! Cyclists praise new-look Fleming Way

As part of the regeneration of the road and surrounding area, new cycle lanes were added to the road to connect Swindon’s two main cycle routes.

The lanes run along the central reservation and, like the buses which use the road, are controlled by pedestrian crossings.

Alongside the new lanes, additional cycle parking has been installed, meaning those cycling into the town centre will have somewhere to leave their bikes while they shop, work or socialise.

Claire Fleming, Travel Plan Officer at Swindon Travel Choices, said: “The cycle lanes now provide a quicker and safer connection across town between the Eastern and Western flyers. It’s also good to see plenty of new cycle parking, making it easier to park up when popping into the town centre.”

Becky Cox from Swindon Cycle Campaign and Dick Millard from charity Sustrans, which aims to make it easier for people to walk or cycle, were among the first cyclists to try out the new cycle lanes.

Becky said she was particularly impressed with the width of the lanes, meaning she can cycle alongside her son and also that they are suitable for anyone using trikes or adapted cycles.

Dick also inputted into the original designs for the lanes and said: “It’s good to see it all on the ground and the flow is good from the Eastern Flyer onto Fleming Way.”

Fleming Way opened to all users on Sunday, 31 August meaning pedestrians, buses, taxis and cyclists now all use the road on a daily basis.

Councillor Chris Watts, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment and Transport, said: “Fleming Way is a prime example of encouraging greener travel with the improved bus interchange and the new cycle lanes and bike stands.

“It’s important that we make it easier to travel into and through our town centre, and the cycle lanes at Fleming Way certainly help in this regard.

“It’s great to hear such positive feedback from cyclists and I hope that everyone’s enjoying using the new cycle lanes.”