NEWS:

Maylon Close to Portersfield (Gypsy Corner Playing Field), Braintree
We are proposing to construct a 3 metre wide cycle/pedestrian path between Maylon Close and Portersfield which will partially follow the existing Public Footpath 61 along the edge of the playing field. The existing Public Footpath is currently a grassed surface therefore the provision of a tarmac surface will improve accessibility for persons in wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs as well as cyclists and pedestrians. As part of the scheme the existing concrete from the former pavilion will be removed and the area will be landscaped. It is intended that once further funding becomes available in the future, the proposed link will form part of a continuous strategic cycle/pedestrian route from Panfield Lane to Rayne Road. The scheme was approved by Braintree Local Committee on the 20th February 2008. Works are due to commence in July/August 2008 and construction will take approximately 6 weeks.

Town End Field to Howbridge Road – Phase II, Witham
This is the second phase of the scheme proposed to provide a cycle/pedestrian link from Town End Field to Howbridge Road, Witham. Phase I of the route (from Town End Field to Dengie Close) was completed in August 2007. Phase II will involve the construction of a culvert over the ditch to enable the route to continue to Dengie Close and then eventually to Howbridge Road as part of the construction of Phase III. The existing culvert is subsiding and is of an unsuitable gradient for use by cyclists, pushchairs, wheelchairs and the elderly. The route will provide an off road link for persons travelling between the Maltings Lane development and the town centre. It is also close to Howbridge Infants School and the Holy Family RC Primary School in Maltings Lane and could be used by pupils and parents travelling to and from these schools. Works are due to commence in 2008/2009.

Blackwater Rail Trail (Blue Mill Hill to Constance Close), Witham
Braintree District Council in conjunction with Essex County Council (Country Parks) is proposing to carry out improvement works to the Blackwater Rail Trail between Blue Mill Hill and Constance Close to provide a 3 metre wide cycle/pedestrian path. This is the first phase of improvements proposed for the Blackwater Rail Trail. The proposed improvement will improve accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair and push chair users. The scheme was approved by Witham Local Committee on the 1st May 2008. Works are due to commence in August/September 2008 and construction will take approximately 6 weeks.

Cypress Road to Cut Throat Lane, Witham
We are proposing to construct a 3 metre wide cycle/pedestrian path from Cypress Road to Cut Throat Lane. This is the first phase of works for a proposed cycle network which will eventually continue to Rickstones School. The scheme will be constructed in various phases linking communities from Rickstones Road, Forest Road, Cut Throat Lane, Motts Lane and Walnut Drive. The route will improve accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists to the Eastways and Freebournes Industrial Estates, Witham Railway Station, Witham Town Centre, Local Schools and Supermarkets. The route will be provided with street lighting in accordance with existing standards. Additional lamp columns will be provided on Cut Throat Lane near the junction of Motts Lane. The Cypress Road to Cut Throat Lane scheme was approved by Witham Local Committee on the 26th February 2008. Works are due to commence in July/August 2008 and construction will take approximately 6 weeks.

Improvements to the existing cycle/pedestrian path from Panfield Lane to Springwood Industrial Estate, Braintree
We will be carrying out improvement works to the surface of the existing path between Panfield Lane and Springwood Industrial Estate. Works are due to commence in September/October 2008 and will take approximately 4 weeks.

CYCLING FOR LEISURE

For more information on cycling for leisure please click here

CYCLE PARKING IN THE BRAINTREE DISTRICT

- Map Showing Cycle Parking Provision in Braintree Town Centre
- Map Showing Cycle Parking Provision in Witham Town Centre
- Map Showing Cycle Parking Provision at Witham Railway Station
- Map Showing Cycle Parking Provision in Halstead Town Centre

MAPS AND LEAFLETS:

- Braintree Cycleways Network Map
- Great Notley Cycleways Network Map
- Witham Cycleways Network Map

Mapping of cycle routes throughout the district is currently being developed by Essex County Council. A link will be available from this page when the mapping comes online later this year.

Sustrans have online mapping available of the National Cycle Network (NCN). NCN routes 1 and 16 pass through Braintree District.

- Link to Sustrans NCN maps

Cycle Essex - Tourist Cycle Routes (Comprise of 9 maps illustrating circular cycle routes) The complete pack costs £5.50 (includes p&p) and can be obtained by calling 0845 600 7373. For more information please look here.

Braintree District Council have a number of leisure route cycleway leaflets available:

Flitch Way (Off-road route along the former railway line country park between Braintree and Stansted, recently resurfaced along whole length. The Flitch Way is part of NCN route 16). Please view the following link for an electronic map:

- Flitch Way Leaflet

Blackwater Rail Trail (Mainly off road route following the disused railway line between Witham and Maldon, with some on road sections south of Witham near Wickham Bishops and near Langford. Please note that most of this route has not been resurfaced and may be difficult for  some bicycles following poor weather) - (cost - free) Available at Causeway House, Braintree. Or email cycleways@braintree.gov.uk or call 01376 551414 and ask for Planning Policy.

Colne Valley Cycle Trails (4 on-road routes following mainly quiet lanes in the scenic countryside of the River Colne Valley) - (cost - £1.75) please send a cheque payable to 'Braintree District Council' to Braintree District Council, Causeway House, Bocking End, Braintree, Essex, CM7 9HB and mark for the attention of Juliet Strathern.

09:52 - 20/11/08