CYCLING campaigners say a £4million cycle path between Kenilworth and Leamington is ‘essential’ in the fight against climate change.
A petition has been launched in a bid to get a three mile cycle route called K2L installed linking the two towns. So far some 1,100 people have signed supporting the campaign, which calls for Warwickshire County Council to create the route.
A cycle path along the busy A452 has been muted for the past two decades but has failed to get the green light for reasons including funding of the project.
But now groups including Leamington Cycleways, Kenilworth Cycle Group and the University of Warwick Bicycle User Group say a safe cycle path is ‘urgently’ needed with the council recently declaring a climate change emergency and its increased focus on improving air quality.
If approved campaigners believe it could cost more than £4million.
The proposed route begins close to the petrol station on Warwick Road in Kenilworth and run alongside the Thickthorn roundabout, stopping half way down Kenilworth Road in Leamington.
Campaigners say it would link with a cycle route to Warwick University which they argue would prove popular with students.
Jakob Schmutz said: “We think as the public wakes up the growing threat of climate change and air quality schemes like K2L will become a top priority for the council.
“Currently Leamington has one of the highest areas of air pollution in the country.
“Kenilworth to Leamington is an easy three mile commute. We believe this route is essential and should be an integral part of the Warwickshire cycle network. It would also join with existing cycle routes, therefore a high uptake of the route is very likely.”
Warwickshire County Council is looking at how it could fund the project.
A spokesman told the Observer: “The Kenilworth to Leamington cycle route is recognised as a high priority cycling scheme and the council is aware of the high level of support for the scheme from the local community.
“Good progress is being made to overcome the significant design and financial challenges associated and we are working towards developing a funding bid for this scheme, with the aim of reaching the position in the not too distant future so we can finally deliver this important cycling connection between the two towns.”
