Work to start on Plymouth waterfront cycling scheme

Work is due to begin on cycle facilities that will encourage a new generation of cyclists to enjoy the magnificent views offered by Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City.

Empty fisherman’s sheds on Commercial Wharf on the Barbican are to be fitted with facilities that will allow people to hire bikes from one side of the waterfront and drop them off at another, the Royal William Yard.

Contractors will be going on site this week at Commercial Wharf and work to convert empty arches at Firestone Arches inside the historic Royal Naval victualling yard will start in a few weeks’ time.

The cycle hire hubs together with cycleway improvements along the waterfront make up an exciting project to get more residents and visitors in the saddle, admiring the views, enjoy the hospitality of cafes and bars along the way as well as learn fascinating facts that feature along Plymouth’s Waterfront Walkway, part of the South West Coast Path.

Plymouth City Council submitted a successful bid, designed in partnership with the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership Business Improvement District (BID), for £670,400 from the Coastal Communities Fund for the scheme.

Local company Rockets and Rascals will run the cycle hire service after being the winning bidder in a procurement bid to run a service beneath the arches at Commercial Wharf and at Royal William Yard’s Firestone Arches.

Deputy leader Peter Smith said: “We have a spectacular waterfront and want more people to enjoy it.

“More and more people are waking up to the benefits of cycling – not just for getting to and from work, but for fun days out for almost every age. We need to make it as easy as possible for people to get cycling.”

Council leader Tudor Evans added: “Plymouth is one of the few places where you get such a stunning view from a city. We are very proud of Plymouth and our branding reflects this – Britain’s Ocean City. This project will help us spread the message. We’ve an incredible waterfront with 10 miles of the South West Coast Path – sea views on one side, fascinating facts along the way and great food at either end and at all points in between.”

Rockets and Rascals already run a bike shop and cafe on the Barbican and have pledged to provide a hire service 364 days a year as part of their proposal. They also say their proposal would generate five full time positions, including an apprentice, as well as casual labour in summer.

Work on the cycleway improvements will start in April with an initial phase of changes  to Madeira Road and Millbay Road roundabout. Improvements to lighting in  West Hoe Road together with resurfacing along Caroline Place and other minor work will be carried out later in the year..

Chris Arscott, chair of the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership said: “This is a fantastic scheme and a strategic priority of the Waterfront BID, providing an enhanced trail linking primary destinations across the city. Cycling is hugely popular with more and more people enjoying days in the saddle.

“Plymouth is a great destination and we want visitors as well as local people to enjoy our stunning waterfront – a leisurely cycle is a perfect way of doing this.”

Chairman of Destination Plymouth, Duncan Currall said: "Plymouth is a serious contender for people looking for that combination of good living and an interestingplace to visit. This scheme adds to our growing portfolio of great things to do.”