Creating a true cycling city
We launched our ten year strategy in 2017 to transform cycling in Southampton. Since then, we've made some big improvements to the Southampton Cycle Network (SCN). Here's an update on where we're creating high quality, consistent and safe cycle routes across the city.
SCN1 Western Cycle Freeway
The SCN1 cycle route from Totton in the west to Southampton Central Station was completed in July 2019. This has set the benchmark standard for what we aim to achieve with our other main cycle freeways. Most recently, we completed further works on the route along West Quay Road from Herbert Walker Avenue to Harbour Parade; these included improvements to the shared footway, public realm and new crossings. Find out more about the route here.
SCN3 Eastern Cycle Freeway
In January 2020 we completed the first section of the SCN3 Eastern Cycle Freeway, investing in a new segregated cycle freeway along A3024 Bursledon Road. This connects to a quietway route through Bitterne before joining the existing shared use cycle paths along Northam River Bridge. Most recently, we extended the route between Northam River Bridge and Northam Rail Bridge with upgrades to the shared cycle/footway along Northam Road. New continuous crossings were also created to give people cycling priority over vehicles at the Northam Road/Kent Road junction and at the entrances to the Esso Garage. Looking ahead, Hampshire County Council will be upgrading the route to the east with improvements to Burlsedon Road between Botley Road and Windhover Roundabout. Find out more about the route here.
SCN5 Northern Cycle Freeway
The SCN5 Northern Cycle Freeway is an important part of the wider Southampton Cycle Network. Improvements to date include a 'Copenhagen' style segregated cycle freeway along Inner Avenue, where one-way cycle lanes follow the direction of traffic on both sides of the road; and, further north, segregated on and off-road cycle lanes both north and south bound between Lodge Road and just north of Highfield Road. Other features along the route include continuous side road crossings to give people walking and cycling priority over traffic; traffic signal upgrades at the Banister and Lodge Road junctions; a new parallel crossing at Northlands Road and a new toucan crossing at Winn Road to improve access to The Common. Bus stop islands also feature along Inner Avenue and mean that bus stops are now bypassed by the segregated cycle lane. This means that buses do not have to overtake those cycling between bus stops, cyclists do not have to negotiate around stopped buses and passengers getting on and off the bus are separated from the cycle lane. Find out more about the route here.
SCN6 cycle route - Bevois Valley
We have completed works to create the first section of the SCN6 cycle corridor along Onslow Road and Bevois Valley. Improvements include widened shared use footways and new crossing facilities to enhance walking and cycling access; continuous crossings to prioritise people walking and cycling; and upgraded signage and resurfacing providing better conditions for road users. Once complete, the planned SCN6 cycle corridor will connect Southampton to Eastleigh and Chandler's Ford, while also creating better cycle links to Southampton Airport Parkway. Find out more here.
SCN Route Map
The Southampton Cycle Network map is available here.