Sonning Common Cycleway . Existing Surfced Routes . Background . The Working Party . Media - features. 2023 Survey Results . Contact Version
9/12/24
Team Members section
updated 11/12/24
"How long have we lived in a world where drivers dominate, and cars have all the road?
We just can't be in that world anymore, because life is changing
"
(Adapted from Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester Mayor, July 2024)
CyclewaySurveyPublishedInfo

The material on the left
is publicly available elsewhere.

It was used to publicise the questionnaire (survey)

The results are below

Back to Top

Existing surfaced bike routes Sonning Common <> Emmer Green
The several servicable surfaced options all have disadvantages. AltRoutesInc .<Click to enlarge.
The Community Survey proves the demand for something better, separated from traffic, either “on” or close to B481.


Background

A safer cycleway to link Sonning Common and Emmer Green was proposed in 2020. The concept gathered momentum in 2021 with the formation of a volunteer Working Party approved by Sonning Common Parish Council.

The Sonning Common Cycleway group is campaigning for a safe, non-athletic bike route between Sonning Common and Emmer Green. This could equally appeal to pedestrians and users of mobility scooters.

The B481 Peppard Road is the shortest route but is problematic. Many people; existing cyclists, and potential bike riders young and old, would be uncomfortable on it. Parents may be concerned about their children using it. Some motorists may become frustrated when following the slower, more vulnerable pedaller.

Providing alternative infrastructure would benefit all parties.
People and Organisations - List of those who would benefit from a decent cycleway.


Material below is derived from that publicly accessible on Sonning Common Parish Council website.


Cycleway Working Party

Background
Led by SCPC Councillor Jonny Bidgood, a Working Party, has developed ideas for safe cycling and walking routes to link Sonning Common to Emmer Green, Reading. Sonning Common Parish Council backs the project.

The objectives of the working group are:
To provide a safe, accessible, mixed-mode multi-use cycleway linking Sonning Common to the Emmer Green district of Reading, via a ‘Greenway’ route, alleviating the sense of "being trapped in Sonning Common’” unless one uses vehicular modes of transport.

Benefits of establishing the cycleway will include:
The removal of sole reliance on vehicular travel between Sonning Common and Emmer Green, offering an Active Travel option with its consequent health and environmental benefits.
A safe ‘cycle to school’ option for Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge and Highdown secondary schools.
A safe ‘cycle to sport’ option to the Abbey Rugby Club sports facility.
An interlink with Reading Borough Council Strategic Cycleway 3, as per approved Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP).
A safe, improved and accessible gateway to the Chilterns for Reading residents.
A safe, accessible alternative to the National Cycle Network 5 route, between Reading, Sonning Common and nearby villages in South Oxfordshire.
The removal of traffic accident risk on the busy B481 which will be to the benefit of all methods of travel between Reading and Sonning Common.

Economic benefits to businesses in Emmer Green, Reading, Sonning Common and surrounding villages as a result of more cyclists, walkers and runners choosing to commute and/or exercise on a route currently considered by many to be too dangerous for active travel.

Costs and Funding
The working group is currently exploring various sources for funding the proposed scheme, including contributions from local councils, local and national businesses, charitable funding and individual donations. 
We welcome applications from potential donors and fundraisers. Please get in touch if you are able to contribute directly or have the skills and experience of raising project funding in the public domain.

The Route:
A number of route options have been researched by the working group. Potential routes run to the east or the west of the B481, from Kennylands Rd in Sonning Common to near the water tower in Emmer Green. The final route will be confirmed once agreements have been reached with landowners.


SURVEY

Sonning Common and Emmer Green residents were asked their views on plans for a cycle route between the two communities, to connect with links to Reading and into the Chilterns.
Survey closed 30th April 2023 - Amazing response - More than 1,000 completed. Results below.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive and supportive. Many thanks to all who contributed.

. Back to Top

Media Articles featuring Sonning Common Cycleway.

Henley Standard . Cycleway plan goes to public - Community Survey 2023 "Residents welcome ... - Letters Aug '23 -
Sonning Common Magazine Items . Click image to open either of these, or find them via https://www.sonningcommonmagazine.org/ .
Feb/Mar 2023 . SC Mag FebMar '21 . . Dec 2021/Jan 2022 SC Mag Dec21/Jan22
Reading Cycle Campaign Item . Click image to open this
.RCC Newsletter WInter 2024or find it at Reading Cycle Campaign . Specifically, Newsletters Winter 2024. . . .
. Back to Top

SURVEY - Closed April 2023 - Fantastic response - Overwhelmingly positive and supportive.
Sonning Common and Emmer Green residents gave their views on plans for a cycle route between the two communities, to connect with links to Reading and into the Chilterns.
1,200+ responses were received with 98% positive in their support for the proposed cycleway.
Many thanks to all who contributed.
The working group is now exploring various sources of funding, including contributions from local councils, businesses, charitable funding and individual donations. We welcome feedback, ideas and new members. Please do get in touch via the link below, or the Parish Office if you would like to get involved.
(Material below derived from F-book)
Survey2023Volumetrics . Survey2023Safety . Ssurvey2023POtential

Back to Top


Letter Contact

Version
5/2/24

For Sonning Common Cycleway information please enter
the address in the 2nd line below into your preferred em@iler

infoscribble
Sorry ~ Done this way to reduce spam ~ It works!
Back to Top
team

Seen a problem on this website? Please tell me Thanks, Webmaster.
If your copyright has been breached it is unintentional. Please let us know. We will react promptly.
. . . . . . . Valid CSS!

Hosting and much technical assistance provided by Nick of jump.net.uk
nnn : noseynick.net
Valid XHTML 1.0