The A418 between Wing and Leighton Buzzard is used by many pedestrians and cyclists, including children, and is a vital link. Already many have given up using the route because of the roadworks, and more will do so when the new high-speed dual-carriageway is open. Parents are forbidding their children to cycle on the route because of the danger.
At a public meeting on 25th May 2005 to consider a joint Bucks/Beds transport strategy, Buckinghamshire County Council - who are building the Linslade and Stoke Hammond Bypass - were asked how they proposed to make the enlarged roundabout at the A418/A505 junction safe for pedestrians and cyclists.
Buckinghamshire County Council considered the matter and later stated that a foot- and cycle-bridge would be the best option.
However, the bypass is running late and over-budget; and government funding changes have increased the cost to the council of the bypass.
At a meeting on Leighton Linslade Transport Strategy held on 1 February 2007 the question was asked whether such a bridge is to be provided. An officer of Buckinghamshire County Council answered that due to an expensive earth slip within the by-pass contract there are now insufficient funds for a bridge.
A Bedfordshire County Councillor asked Bedfordshire Highways to investigate if there was an opportunity to assist Buckinghamshire with funds. Bedfordshire Highways have confirmed that funds are not available. However, it is the stated aim for Beds CC, under the heading of "Safety" in their 2001-2006 Local Transport Plan:
"To provide safe, protected crossing points of a type appropriate to the level of travel movements, at a point where pedestrian and cycle links cross main roads and junctions."
The protest is intended to encourage both county councils - the bypass is being built by Buckinghamshire, but the junction is actually in Bedfordshire - to work together to find a way to build the bridge.
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