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Published on Thursday 28 July 2022

Councillor Mike Greene, second from right (BCP Council Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability) with Paul Ottaway far right, and other commuter cyclists on the new Kings Park cycle and waking route.
Councillor Mike Greene, second from right (BCP Council Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability) with Paul Ottaway far right, and other commuter cyclists on the new Kings Park cycle and waking route

A new cycling and walking route through Kings Park has now been opened and is ready to be used and enjoyed by local residents, workers and school students. The new sustainable travel route, funded by the south east Dorset Transforming Cities Fund (TCF), has created new, separate walking and cycling paths across the length of Kings Park from the Ashley Road entrance to the new toucan crossing on Harewood Avenue.

Among the first cyclists to try out the new facility was local commuter Paul Ottaway who cycles through the park to his job at a well-known company in the area. Paul said:

"This is a vast improvement on the old route through Kings Park. Before, cyclists and walkers had to use the same narrower path which wasn’t ideal. Now we both have our own separate lanes, which is a lot safer. The new tarmac surface is also much smoother and pot-hole free, making it so much easier to ride than the old path. All in all, this has made my cycle ride across Kings Park a lot more pleasant and safer."

Councillor Mike Greene, BCP Council’s Portfolio Holder for transport and sustainability said:

"The new route brings real benefits for all users of Kings Park whilst helping to encourage sustainable travel. It provides the separate cycle and walking lanes, which many people have asked for, as well as the extra lighting and new informal pedestrian crossings for improved safety when walking or running in the park, particularly after dark.

"I would like to thank all the local residents and park users for their patience while this project was under construction, and I hope everyone benefits from using these new facilities and that they make Kings Park a more enjoyable and safer place to be."

Speaking about the new route which runs past the Vitality Stadium, Jeff Mostyn, Chairman of AFC Bournemouth said:

"We are delighted that the new cycling and walking facility in Kings Park is now open to the public and without question it is a vast improvement on the old route.

"As a Premier League Football Club with our roots set firmly in the community, we cannot think of a better way to promote exercise, health and well-being. The new facility will also provide an alternative method of travel to the stadium for our supporters."

The new infrastructure is part of a sustainable travel route which will eventually connect Bournemouth Station to Jumpers Common in Christchurch. The facilities in Kings Park now include:

  • A new, separate cycle path next to the existing footpath between the Vitality Stadium and Harewood Avenue, with a 2m wide footpath and a 3m wide two-way cycle lane, separated by an area of wildflower planting
  • A new separate 3m wide two-way cycle path and 2m wide footpath alongside Kings Park Bowling Green
  • Improved cycle and walking facilities alongside the car park by the Vitality Stadium
  • A new informal raised crossing over Kings Park Drive between the car park at the Vitality Stadium and Kings Park Bowling Green to slow traffic and provide a safer area for pedestrians to cross
  • Installation of new lighting and improvements to existing lighting through the park to improve safety and security
  • Disabled parking spaces have been relocated from the eastern side of the cricket pavilion and café to the Ashley Road side of the building. This has allowed for the construction of a new access ramp to the cricket pavilion and café
  • Installation of a new raised crossing, improved pedestrian facilities and cycle parking facilities outside the café
  • Changing of some parking bay locations on Central Drive to create safe access along the new cycle track. Bollards have been installed on the existing line-marked cycle lane on Central Drive to prevent vehicles from parking within it.

Very minor works will be undertaken on site over the next couple of weeks as part of the project’s final completion.

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