Cycling in the Bridgwater area is about to get much easier – thanks to The Bridgwater Way’s brand-new journey planning tool!

The Bridgwater Way has updated its popular digital cycle route map following feedback from the community and has now added a smart ‘journey planning function’ that allows users to plan a trip by bike in the local area.

This means it is ideal for people who are encouraged to cycle and walk and avoid using public transport where possible during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Bridgwater Way is a Somerset County Council initiative focused on helping to keep Bridgwater moving as the town goes through a period of significant growth and investment. Funded by EDF Energy and supported by Sedgemoor District Council it provides information, advice and tools to help people choose the best ways to travel and routes to use, and help reduce the need to travel in the first place.  It includes investment in new roads and improvements to existing roads and junctions, as well as miles of new and improved routes for pedestrians and cyclists.  It also offers active travel initiatives to make getting to work or school easier and safer.

Originally set up in 2012, it has spent years working with local employers, schools and communities on ways to encourage alternatives to single occupancy car use – such as cycling and walking and even car sharing to reduce congestion.

The digital cycle map, launched in May 2019, is part of that.  The technology uses Cycle Streets data which is updated by cyclists so is the most up to date picture of the network; it creates a route tailored to your requirements and makes it really simple to see how much of the route is on and off road – ideal for those that are new to cycling or a little less confident.

The update also enables cyclists to save the map and planner to their smart phone or tablet, making it even easier to use the tool on the go, wherever you are.

To begin using the map, visit: http://maps.thebridgwaterway.co.uk

The Bridgwater Way has invested heavily in improving miles of the cycle network in and around the town and there’s more to come.  You can now cycle, traffic-free into Bridgwater from Cannington and North Petherton and improvements are also planned from Puriton.

Councillor John Woodman, Cabinet member for Highways at Somerset County Council said: “This new journey planning function is a great addition to The Bridgwater Way’s cycle route map. 

“It’s unique in its ability to work alongside the map which shows really local information such as crossing points and points of interest in Bridgwater and the surrounding areas to help when planning your journey by bike.

“The useful tool comes at a time when many people are opting to cycle more frequently whether that be for exercise or their daily commute and will make planning journeys even easier in the Bridgwater area”

For more information on travelling around Bridgwater and to get the latest news on information and events in Bridgwater and the surrounding area, visit The Bridgwater Way website at www.thebridgwaterway.co.uk