The cycle routes through Helsby have been identified as a priority for improvement in the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). This project aims to turn the initial concept from the LCWIP into a fully costed, ready-to-implement design. Funding opportunities for cycling infrastructure often arise with little notice, so having a “shovel-ready” plan is crucial to securing investment and delivering better facilities for our community. 

The cycle route will encourage people to choose walking and cycling over car journeys, delivering health, environmental, and community benefits. Approximately 15,000 people in Frodsham and Helsby stand to benefit from this project, including the 1,400 pupils at Helsby High School.

Cycle North Cheshire raised a total of £13,910 for the project through the Spacehive crowdfunding platform. We extend our sincere thanks to the individuals, local organisations, and the council who supported this initiative. Following a competitive selection process, Cycle North Cheshire used these funds to commission Sustrans to deliver the route alignment study. Sustrans carried out a thorough survey of potential route options and have determined the most feasible route alignment options.

Route Status

The route has been broken down into four sections. Each of these can be progressed individually as funding becomes available.

• Section 1 (Helsby High School to Plovers Lane): This section runs alongside the A56 and replaces the on-road cycle lanes with a dedicated cycle track. This section is the most advanced, with detailed engineering drawings and a fully costed plan. It is currently under assessment for a funding bid.
• Sections 2 and 3 (Plovers Lane to Callender Way): There are two main options for these sections: making improvements to the A56 or developing a new path near the railway line. However, the latter may require land acquisition and the cost of this is currently unknown. Further evaluation is needed before progressing.

• Section 4 (Callender Way to The Hornsmill): This section was determined to be too expensive relative to the benefit, so this section is not being pursued in its current form. However, with significant housing development planned in the area, we are urging that new schemes be designed with connectivity in mind. This has been elevated to senior officers within the council and is being championed by the elected council member.

The sections of the route (the map doesn't show the detailed route alignment).

An example of the route design work.

Because the full route alignment has not yet been determined, Sustrans have asked us not to publish the whole of the study report until there has been more evaluation and understanding of all the issues that need further work. We will publish the full study as soon as we are able to.

Despite challenges, the project is a clear success. The groundwork laid by Cycle North Cheshire has positioned the council to make substantial progress on the LCWIP. The council have been able to demonstrate progress in planning to Active Travel England, resulting in a significant uplift in funding: from £680,000 to £1.3 million. Thank you to everyone who supported the route alignment study; the funds we raised have already made a meaningful difference.

Written by Tom Rawlings and Steve Pemberton; Map tiles © MapTiler, map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.