New crossing for Bedford Academy students now complete
Work to create a new signalled crossing for students at the
Bedford Academy is now complete.
The “toucan” crossing for cyclists and pedestrians is located on
Mile Road near the main entrance to the Academy and provides a safe
crossing for hundreds of Bedford Academy pupils. New cycle paths
and improvements to the Academy’s bus stop will follow next year
and improve access for hundreds of pupils every day.
Bedford Borough Council has secured a contribution towards the
work from Sustrans, the charity enabling people to make more of
their everyday journeys on foot or by bike. The charity
received a grant from the Department for Transport to deliver new
routes, in partnership with local authorities, connecting
communities to their schools, colleges and wider networks,
including the National Cycle Network.
Councillor Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Transport, said:
“I am delighted that we have been able to secure funding to help us
carry out these much needed highway works for Bedford Academy.
“Many of the Academy's students live locally and walk or cycle
to school. It is therefore extremely important that we carry out
this work to make the road outside the Academy as safe as
possible.
“The new crossing, cycle tracks and changes to the nearby bus
stop will help us to achieve that as well as encouraging more
pupils to walk or cycle to school.”