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Colchester walking and cycling impact survey

We Want to Hear From You!

We’ve recently completed a number of walking and cycling street features across Colchester — and now we’d love to know what you think!

Have you used any of the new routes or facilities? What’s working well, and what could be better?
We’re also keen to understand any barriers you face when it comes to walking or cycling, and what might encourage you to travel more actively.

🗓️ The survey is open until 12th October, so there’s still time to share your views and help shape future improvements.

Improving Walking and Cycling in Colchester

We want to make it easier and safer to walk, cycle, and travel sustainably around Colchester. Here’s a summary of the changes over the last couple of years funded by Active Travel England's Active Travel Fund 2 across the town:

  • 🚲 Cycle Routes & Junction Upgrades

    • Crouch Street / St John's Street / Head Street / Headgate
      Junction improvements to support safer cycling in all directions, plus resurfaced roads.

    • Head Street & Culver Street West
      New segregated two-way cycle lanes, upgraded crossing, and improved bus stop access.

    • Sir Isaac’s Walk
      New signs to help cyclists find secure cycle parking at the Portal Precinct.

    • Head Street / High Street Junction
      New cycle lanes, junction redesign, smoother surfaces, wider crossings, and improved footways.


  • 🚦 Traffic Regulation & Speed Limits

    • Colchester High Street
      A permanent traffic restriction order (TRO) to limit vehicle access.

    • Town Centre 20mph Zones
      Permanent 20mph speed limits with new signs and road markings to improve safety.


  • 🚴 Cycle Lane Enhancements

    • Station Way
      Permanent two-way cycle lane with red surfacing and protective barriers. Bus stop expanded to serve more passengers.

    • St John’s Street
      Temporary cycle lane removed and replaced with a signed and marked on-road cycle route.

    • St John’s Street to Vineyard Street (Car Park)
      New segregated cycleway through the car park with clear signage.

    • St John’s Street to Vineyard Street (Crossing)
      Upgraded traffic signals to include a cycle phase and new advisory cycle lane.

    • Vineyard Street to East Hill
      On-road cycle markings and signage to guide cyclists safely.



🏫 Safer Streets for Schools

We worked with schools to create safer, healthier streets for pupils and families:

  • Colchester County High School
  • St Benedict’s College
  • Kingswode Hoe School
  • North Primary School
  • Philip Morant School

Each location includes:

  • Thermoplastic warning signs
  • Temporary road art
  • “20’s Plenty” speed signs

🚶 Footpath Improvements

  • Wellesley Road Footpath Link
    Widened footpath with improved safety features including tactile paving and updated guard rails.

These upgrades are part of our commitment to making Colchester a safer, greener, and more active place to live and travel.


If you would prefer a paper copy please contact the Safer Greener Healthier email. SGH.routes@essex.gov.uk

Why your views matter

Your feedback helps us understand how recent walking and cycling improvements are working for you — and it plays a key role in shaping future decisions.

By sharing your thoughts, you’re helping us make Colchester safer, more accessible, and better suited to your travel needs.

About you

In order to ensure the continued development of our Diversity and Equality practices, everyone that we work with is asked to complete the information below. You are not obliged to answer any of the questions, but the more information you supply, the more effective our monitoring will be. If you choose not to answer these questions, it will not affect your participation in the survey. The information you supply below is confidential and will be used solely for monitoring purposes.

0% answered

1.  

I am responding as: 

Colchester walking and cycling street features

The Colchester Active Travel Fund 2 scheme completed in April 2024 and comprised of new cycle lanes and improvements, new speed limits and traffic regulation, footpath improvements and Safer Streets for schools.


2.  

In a typical week before the cycling and walking street features were made, how often did you walk or cycle to work

3.  

In a typical week now that the walking and cycling street features are available, how often do you walk or cycle to work

4.  

In a typical week before the cycling and walking street features were made, how often did you walk or cycle to the shops

5.  

In a typical week now the walking and cycling street features are available, how often do you walk or cycle to the shops

6.  

In a typical week before the cycling and walking street features were made, how often did you walk or cycle to leisure facilities e.g. fitness centre, pub, restaurant etc? 

7.  

In a typical week now that the walking and cycling street features are available, how often do you walk or cycle to leisure facilities e.g. fitness centre, pub, restaurant etc? 

8.  

Do you now walk more often because of the walking and cycling street features? 

9.  

Do you now cycle more often because of the cycling and walking street features?