Sidmouth Street Cycle Lane
Have Your Say on Sidmouth Street Cycle Lane Proposal
The Council is seeking community views on the proposal to reduce the width of the existing cycle lane on Sidmouth Street to improve traffic flow while retaining safe cycling facilities.
Residents, businesses, and road users are invited to share their thoughts—whether in support or objection—on the proposed changes.
Your feedback will help the council make a decision that balances cycling, public transport, and motor vehicle needs.
Please submit your comments here or by contacting the transport team directly at transport@reading.gov.uk, before the consultation closes on 22nd October 2026.
Phases
Consultation
Background:
The cycle lane on Sidmouth Street was originally installed in 2020 using government Active Travel Fund (‘Tranche 1’) emergency funding. Initially temporary, it became permanent after a statutory consultation and approval in September 2022.
Current situation:
- The southbound traffic lane was removed and replaced with a 2-lane cycle facility.
- The cycle lanes are underutilised due to limited connecting routes and availability of alternative routes on London Street and Watlington Street.
- The wider traffic network is affected by the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), which includes a new bus lane on London Road to improve public transport reliability and journey times. Some traffic may be displaced onto Sidmouth Street.
Proposal under consultation:
- Reduce the width of the existing cycle lane to accommodate increased motor vehicle capacity.
- Retain a southbound (contra-flow) cycle lane south of South Street only.
- Maintain two northbound lanes for vehicles.
- Pay & Display (P&D) parking will be retained.
Purpose:
- Balance the needs of motor traffic, public transport, and cycling facilities.
- Provide safer cycling options westbound towards the town centre and through the London Street junction.