Swindon funding bid to make cycling 'normal' with new cycle network

Plans to create a new cycle network in Swindon in a bid to make cycling a "normal everyday activity", have been approved by the borough council.

Transport officials are to bid for up to £500,000 of government funding to update the town's cycle routes and link up existing cycleways.

The aim is to double the number of "cycle trips" in the town by 2026.

Cabinet member Dale Heenan, said: "The more people we can encourage to cycle the less traffic will be on the roads."

In 2014, the Western Flyer - a two-mile off-road path connecting Westlea to the town centre - was opened to the public.

The Southern Flyer, joining up West Leaze in Wichelstowe with Farnsby Street in the town centre, is due to open this summer.