Northumberland’s latest Active Travel Corridor, between Ponteland and Callerton, has been officially opened.
The Council has transformed a narrow, overgrown bridleway into a shared use facility suitable for walking, cycling and horse riding.
The 1.9km route has extended beyond the bridleway, forming a link between the centre of Ponteland towards Callerton with further links to the Tyne and Wear Metro. Ultimately the aspiration is to extend the route into Newcastle.
These Active Travel Corridors, and there’s a number of schemes underway in the county, have several aims. These include:
A shift away from reliance on the private car to more sustainable modes of transport
Improved road safety for cyclists and pedestrians
A reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from motorised traffic journeys
Promoting access to healthier lifestyle choices
Improved connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians
A number of innovative elements have been incorporated into the scheme to maximise safety of all users.
Glowing disc technology has been used as illumination along the route to avoid the need for mains supply lighting. They use natural light to charge throughout the day.
Disturbance to existing planting and wildlife has been minimised by working with community groups to re-plant and re-use materials for landscaping.
Speed limits have also been reduced along the route as an added safety measure.
Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Deputy Leader of Northumberland County Council and Cabinet Member for the Council’s Cycling and Walking Strategy, said: “It’s great to be able to officially open this route and see the variety of users who will enjoy and benefit from it.
“Active travel schemes such as these are key to establishing healthy lifestyles, improving health outcomes in the county, as well as contributing to a shift to more sustainable modes of transport.
“As well as supporting our climate change goal to be carbon neutral by 2030, one of our priorities is to introduce measures which make sustainable travel a more attractive, greener, and easy alternative to getting around.”
County Councillor for Ponteland East and Stannington Lyle Darwin added: “It’s fantastic to have this new route open and I’m really pleased to see so many people using it – cyclists of all ages and abilities, dog walkers, parents with buggies.
“Any initiatives which make it easier for people to travel safely while improving their health and wellbeing are always welcome.”