Case studies

Grand Union canal From Bletchley to Leighton Buzzard

Length: 6 miles

Type: Canal towpath

National Cycle Network route number 6

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As a keen cyclist Ann Warren has been to commuting to work all over London since she moved to Rotherhithe in 1976. When her second daughter started primary school, Ann was determined for her to be able to walk or cycle, but a dangerous junction on the route prevented a safe journey. Enthused by a ‘Sustrans Safe Routes to Schools’ conference, Ann started a campaign with the help of the school and other parents to change the junction.

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Work began to improve access to the park Royal Trading Estate during 2003 – 2004 with the aim of encouraging more cycling on the towpath which previously was only used by pedestrians, with cyclists having to use the busy roads for access to the estate. The surface of the towpath was improved, better lighting was installed, more access points were opened up and cycle parking facilities at various destinations were improved.

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New routes were constructed either end of the ‘millennium mile’ section of NCN route 6, and it now includes links to the local Community College, skate park, youth centre, town centre and the Brampton Valley Way. The additions to this route have proved very popular.

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A walking and cycling path was constructed to replace an unofficial footpath that ran adjacent to the A259 between Newhaven and Seaford, the replacement of the original unofficial infrastructure with a new shared use path has seen dramatic increases in its usage.

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