CYCLE enthusiasts could see new routes across Windsor and Maidenhead if essential funding is secured.

The Department of Transport announced £225 million will be allocated to local authorities in two tranches – where the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) Council could receive £140,000 with additional funding later this year from the government’s emergency action travel fund.

The funding will enable RBWM to use pop-up and temporary interventions to create an environment that is safe for both walking and cycling within areas that may become congested and where social distancing requires changes to local infrastructure.

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The council plans to carry out potential schemes such as introducing 20mph zones in Windsor and Maidenhead town centres, new cycle routes, widening footpaths in some parts of the town centres, and introducing cycle parking in various locations across the borough.

The first wave will be £45 million for councils to close roads, install segregated cycle lanes, and widen pavements – where a second tranche of £180 million later this year will enable local authorities to install further, more permanent measures to cement cycling and walking habits.

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Councillor Gerry Clark (Conservative: Bisham and Cookham), cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said: “We are seizing this opportunity and have been working at speed to identify potential schemes.  We still have further work to do before the £140,000 is allocated, but I expect that the we will start implementing the proposed schemes before the end of June.

“The measures we are considering will help towards re-opening the town centre as well as supporting our climate change strategy which goes to full council later this month.”