A CAMPAIGN to create a 16-mile safe cycling route from Windsor Castle through to Ascot has smashed its initial target of 600 signatures.


The petition for a new "Windsor ABC Bicycle Greenway", that would run from Windsor to Ascot, Bracknell (via The Look Out Discovery Centre) and Crowthorne, has gained a strong following from Ascot, Sunninghill and Sunningdale residents who have all championed the need for a safe cycle route locally.

 
The idea for the cycling route was set up as part of the Ascot, Sunninghill and Sunningdale Neighbourhood Plan.


It identified a number of off-road "cycling friendly" routes that could link Windsor to Ascot and beyond if they were combined into one. 


The bid urges the Crown Estate to allow some of its grounds to become part of a new "super route".


Cllr Lynda Yong, the Royal Borough's deputy leader for health, said: "I think the positive response is because residents have seen there is need for a safe cycle route and as the petition is asking the Crown Estate, as the largest landowner around here, to help. I think there is a huge amount of support locally for this."


The route would include Woodlands Ride in Ascot to New Forest Ride in Winkfield Row which cyclists are not allowed to use at the moment as well as Swinley Forest, completing an off-road cycle route from Windsor to Bracknell. 


Though are currently certain cycling provisions in place through Windsor Great Park, many feel it is too dangerous.


Cllr Yong added: "There have been some very severe accidents and I understand a cyclist has been killed. We only see hardened cyclists cycling there but we never see children. There is nowhere in the area for children to cycle safely.

"How can we encourage them to cycle when there is nowhere for them to go? We have an issue with obesity and unhealthy eating and being able to get on a bike and cycle safely is a really easy way to improve our health."


David Burbage, leader of the RBWM presented the Windsor ABC Bicycle Greenway presented the campaign to deputy ranger of the Crown Estate, Paul Sedgwick.


Teachers & students of Charters School, who supported the need for a safe cycling route to the school, have been collecting signatures on their 38degrees e-petition.


Cllr Yong said the team behind the campaign will meet with pupils at the start of the new academic year to discuss plans to present it at full council. 


The Crown Estate declined to comment until further negotiations are held.