NEARLY £3-million will be invested into the ‘Scholar’s Way’ scheme to improve walking, wheeling, and cycling routes across the south of Bath.

This will be on top of almost £2.4-million already being committed to the project by Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) Council.

The project, led by B&NES Council, is designed to better connect schools and residential areas in the city. In total, the scheme will see a mile of walking, cycling, and wheeling improvements installed, with four new and two improved crossings, as well as four new or improved bus stops.

The western section, funded by B&NES Council, will link Combe Down Primary School & St Martin’s Garden Primary School, via Mulberry Park, parallel with Bradford Road. Work on that section started in mid-July, including off-road paths, upgraded crossings, and improved pedestrian and cycling routes, and is expected to finish in early 2026.

The new zebra crossing by Ralph Allen School on Claverton Down Road has already been completed ahead of the new school year starting this month.

Work on the eastern section, funded by the regional authority and B&NES, covering Oakley, Copseland, Widcombe Hill, Claverton Down Road, Quarry Farm and Ralph Allen School, will take place in 2026.

In July, the regional authority also approved £4.7-million for better walking and cycling in and around Bath Quays, working with Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Plans were also backed for further such investment including new School Streets and cycle hangars across the West of England, and pedestrian and walking improvements in areas such as Twerton and Oldfield Park in Bath.

Helen Godwin, the mayor of the West of England, said: “We all want better, safer walking, wheeling and cycling routes for people’s everyday journeys. Working together with the local council, that is what the Scholars’ Way project will deliver with our joint investment here in the south of Bath.

“Whether it's families on the school run or commuters getting to work, these improvements will make a real difference that people can see and feel. Active travel is an important part of how people get around, with real health benefits. It also cuts pollution, which we here in the West Country really care about.

Councillor Lucy Hodge, cabinet member for sustainable transport delivery, said: “This significant joint investment into Scholars’ Way marks a major step forward in making the south of Bath safer and more accessible for everyone.

“The project includes match funding of £2-million from the Clean Air Zone reserve and will deliver improved walking, wheeling and cycling routes.

“Scholars’ Way will not only help families and young people travel more easily between schools and homes, but also encourage healthier, greener ways of getting around. Bath & North East Somerset Council is proud to lead this project, and we remain committed to creating a more connected and sustainable future for our communities.”

Scholars’ Way is part-being funded by the UK government as part of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, secured by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.