£5.4 million investment into south Bath

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority will invest nearly £3 million into the Scholars’ Way scheme to improve walking, wheeling, and cycling routes across the south of Bath, on top of almost £2.4 million already committed by Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) Council. 

The project, being led by the local 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 term starting in September.

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. 

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. 

“Getting the basics right now by improving our walking and cycling infrastructure, and fixing our roads and bridges, will lay the foundations for a better transport system overall for our part of the world. We secured £752 million for that next stage in the Spending Review. That means that the West can get out of the slow lane on transport and start to catch up with other city-regions. That’s about active travel, as well as better buses, more trains, and mass transit.” 

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 £2m 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. 

This announcement follows the Mayor joining counterparts from across England in July to set out their ambition for a national active travel network, and news of a record £752 million secured for better transport across the West announced in the Spending Review. Helen then hosted Chris Boardman, the National Active Travel Commissioner, in the region, where he welcomed our area’s plans as a “shining example of how regions across England are being empowered to make their areas happier, healthier, and greener”

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. 

For more information about the Scholars Way project and to get the latest updates go to B&NES’ project website.