Woodley Cycle Lane Plans Spark Outrage Among Locals

Work to create cycle lanes in Woodley has been slammed as 'a waste of money' and 'disastrous' by neighbours.

Construction is under way on Woodlands Avenue, one of the main roads in and out of the town. Wokingham Borough Council says the scheme is funded by £3.5 million from the Department for Transport to boost active travel.

When finished it will give cyclists a two-way, mostly segregated lane between Woodley town centre and Palmer Park in East Reading.

But locals are furious about how the site looks and how it's currently being managed. Photos show a damaged kerb, a temporary crossing that appears to block the pavement for wheelchair users, an existing precinct crossing blocked off, and two cyclists choosing the road over the new lane.

Matthew Alexander, posting on the Woodley Chants & Rants Facebook group, said: "New kerbs are already damaged from cars hitting it, a temporary crossing is blocking the pavement so wheelchairs can't get by, people driving over the mud and soil... At least this will keep the local tyre fitters in business!"

"Absolute disaster.

"I look forward to seeing the local MP or councillors hold a surgery on Woodlands Avenue, can anyone confirm when this will be, please?

"I hope it is fixed soon and in time for the schools going back, it seems the council are waiting for an accident to happen before they do anything."

Ann Emmett said: "What a waste of money, fix the existing roads!" Replying, Jason HR added: "Central government paid for it, but we pay the price in Wokingham Borough Council screwing the roads up." Linda Bishop said: "Central government might have paid for it, but it still comes out of our tax payments! So it's not free."

The council's project page confirms the government funding and defends the scheme. The page states: "This is one of the key routes which were identified in our borough-wide Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.

"Providing this first link in the network will show the funding bodies that we're serious about providing high-quality infrastructure.

"The link will create safe, inclusive and direct access to Woodley town centre while connecting it to several schools and leisure facilities."

While stretches of the route are available for use, the work is not complete yet, with the final section of Woodlands Avenue due to be ready by August 31.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter