New cycle network hailed as a 'gamechanger'

The final route will connect Cheltenham and Bishop's Cleeve via the Racecourse roundabout

Cyclists have hailed a new multi-million pound cycle route as a "gamechanger" as construction nears completion.

The Gloucestershire Cycle Spine, a segregated cycle lane linking Gloucester, Cheltenham and Bishop's Cleeve, has caused months of disruption but is now due to be finished in March 2026.

A cycling campaign group has hailed the ambitious scheme, which in future could end stretching 26 miles (42km) and all the way to Stroud.

Gloucestershire County Council said the scheme was already causing a boost to the number of people cycling.

The £48m scheme has been criticised after roadworks caused disruption in both Gloucester and Cheltenham.

Work still needs to be completed to finish the route in Gloucester, which will involve changing the road layout around London Road, Northgate Street and Black Dog Way.

Construction works will also continue into early 2026 along the A435 between Cheltenham and Bishop's Cleeve.

Works are still to be completed in Gloucester city centre

Pete Blenkinsop from Churchdown uses the route daily to get to work at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

"I think the direction of travel for the UK should be exercising if you can on your commute to work – that's perfect, it doesn't take up too much of your day.

"I absolutely love it, it's going to save so much time and this is the way we should go for the nation's health.

"There's also good links to some of the schools around here so when our boys are a bit older, it seems this cycle lane is a gamechanger, so they won't have to wait for a bus - they can stay healthy and cycle to school."

Sophie Gordon, campaigns manager at charity Cycling UK, said she was impressed by the scheme during a recent visit to Cheltenham.

"I came out of the station and there was this beautiful, bright green path going exactly where I wanted to go. I didn't have to worry about a busy roundabout, it just made it so easy.

"A lot of people find that it feels like an easy option and gives them the confidence to get on the bike and give it a go," she added.

She said she could "completely sympathise" with those frustrated by the recent roadworks and disruption.

"But we have to remember that once it's completed it will actually make journeys smoother, because once people start thinking they can cycle to university or work, that's one less car on the road."