Cycle-superhighway could be built between Gloucester and Cheltenham

Gloucestershire County Council has helped to fund a Highways England study which could see a cycle-superhighway built between Gloucester and Cheltenham.

The study supports a £3.5 million package of improvements to the B4063, which runs alongside the A40 Golden Valley Bypass.

The county council is keen to get more people cycling, especially between Cheltenham and Gloucester, a popular route for commuters.

To help make cycle travel quicker and safer the council has invested £28,000 into a Highways England study, which could lead to up to £3.5m being invested by the government in cycle infrastructure between Cheltenham and Gloucester.

The study which has taken place over the last year, looked at a number of different solutions to provide a better link between Gloucester and Cheltenham for cyclists.

Cllr Nigel Moor, cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure, said: "We want to make it easier and safer for people to choose to cycle. Cycling helps reduce congestion and improve levels of fitness and well being. This is an important first step in delivering a major upgrade to a crucial link in Gloucestershire's cycle network."

A spokesman for Highways England added: "The cycling community are key customers for us and important in encouraging sustainable travel and reducing congestion. Although we still have a lot to do in terms of determining that the study proposal will represent good value for money, the potential scheme is an exciting prospect for us to be able deliver an improvement in a slightly different way that enhances safety and encourages cycling. The process to date has been collaborative with Gloucestershire County Council colleagues and we look forward to continuing this relationship.”

The proposal will now be considered in more detail by Highways England.