A report responding to the recommendations of the Active Travel Task and Finish Group and providing an overview of recent and planned active travel schemes, outcomes achieved, and partnership working.

Further to Minute 14 of the meeting held on 19 November 2025, the Committee considered a report on the recommendations of the Active Travel Task and Finish Group. The report provided an officer evaluation of the Task and Finish Group’s recommendations and provided an update on the delivery and outcomes of recent active travel schemes in the Borough, as well as providing detail on the Council’s partnership working and setting out future plans in respect of active travel. A summary table containing an officer assessment of the recommendations of the Task and Finish Group and their current implementation status was attached to the report at Appendix A. A copy of the Active Travel Task and Finish Group findings and recommendations report was attached at Appendix B.

The report stated that the Council had adopted the Reading Transport Strategy 2040 (the Local Transport Plan (LPT)) in October 2024. The LTP aimed to promote healthier, greener, and more equal communities through sustainable travel and reduced reliance on private cars. Active travel was a central feature of the strategy which was supported by several sub-strategies, these included the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) and Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan (PROWIP). The councillor-led, cross party, Task and Finish Group had been set up by the Committee specifically to scrutinise the implementation of the Council’s active travel strategy.

The report highlighted that the Council had secured substantial external investment and had delivered an ambitious programme of active travel infrastructure improvements in recent years. Key achievements included pedestrianising areas around Reading Station and Station Hill, enhancing the Reading Station pedestrian subway, creating new pedestrian and cycle routes such as the Napier Road underpass and Christchurch Bridge and the delivery of east-west cycle infrastructure as part of National Cycle Network (NCN) Route?422. Additional projects included new shared use paths (such as London Road and the A33), cycle lanes on major roads (e.g. Oxford Road and Shinfield Road), enhanced pedestrian facilities throughout the town, expanded cycle parking (with cycle hubs in the town centre and at Reading Station) and the ongoing programme of road and pavement improvements across the Borough.

The Council had delivered these infrastructure improvements alongside a comprehensive programme of initiatives aimed at encouraging greater uptake of active travel. These included the introduction of various School Streets, Bikeability training in schools, Learn to Ride sessions for younger and/or less confident cyclists, road safety education in primary schools, adult cycle training, and cycle repair and maintenance events. Other examples included Walk to School Week, the Beat the Street walking and cycling challenge, a dedicated School Active Travel Officer (through Sustrans), Wellbeing Walks, the promotion of active travel schemes at various community events, and the ongoing programme of maintenance works for cycling and walking routes in the town.

The report stated that the Council had worked closely with a wide range of partners and stakeholders to deliver active travel schemes. This had included collaboration with neighbouring local authorities on cross boundary routes, with schools  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21