Selecting the route

When it comes to a development of this track, choosing the right and appropriate route is of a crucial importance. There are many factors to be taken into account, when thinking about where such a track should be developed. To name just few: distance – does it cut the time as opposed to car; elevation – is it level, or do I go frequently uphill and downhill; but most importantly: is it safe to use? Not just statistically, but subjectively. Does it feel safe?

Subjective safety must play an essential role in selecting the route. If any arrangement wasn’t good for an eight year old, it would not be good for anyone. If parents of an eight year old were worried about their children life using that track, let’s not waste anyone’s time trying to bring in half-measures.

In light of these criteria, how does fare our existing path alongside the A143 road? Is there a potential for a better and safer cycling and walking path? Unfortunately, we think there is not.

Separating cyclists or walkers from busy motorised traffic is just one step towards enhancing their safety. The other necessary course of action is to ensure that any future track if running parallel is located significantly distanced from the road, particularly when there are HGV and cars exceding 50, maybe even 60 mph there. Otherwise we are running into risks such as this:




Section of A143 between Oak bench and bounderies of Bury St Edmunds

This picture taken earlier this year clearly illustrates the danger of having the path so close to the road. Were that car to end up on the other side whilst somebody was walking...

Although there are sections of the current path, which are quite far from the road, they are an exception. Resurfaced, even slightly moved away, the existing path won’t be sufficient. Considering the volume and speed of passing traffic, there needs to be a 2 metre gap between the track and road at the least. And we didn’t start speaking about the width of the path itself, which has to have a serious dimension, so the users don’t come into mutual conflict from lack of space (this will be topic for another post).

So let’s discount this possibility of mere tinkering with the present path for good. We are still in process of discussing the alternatives, which should be clear soon. Meanwhile you are also most welcome to join in and suggest anything you see as a possibility.