Mountain bikers wishing to cycle to key destinations could be the winners if Connect2 gets the approval of television viewers for a £50m grant.
The money will come from the National Lottery’s Living Landmarks fund, with the crucial TV vote taking place in December, broadcast on ITV.
Connect2 is a UK-wide project which aims to improve local travel in 79 UK communities by creating new cycling routes, building bridges and new crossings over busy roads, rivers and railway lines for the local journeys we all make every day.
A typical example would be the proposed £250,000 scheme for a cycle crossing at Holmsley in the New Forest, which would link the existing cycle network by joining Burley and Bransgore to the west of the traffic-plagued A35, with Sway and Brockenhurst to the east. A verge-side gravel track would also be created, running alongside the A35 past the Station House restaurant. From there riders would rejoin the cycle network as it goes into Clayhill Bottom.”
To get in on the act register on www.sustransconnect2.org.uk or text Connect2 to 80010.