It's time to build the link that's been promised for decades to give continuous, safe cycling access to the Honeybourne Line from south and west Cheltenham. 

After several years of delay, GWR and Network Rail now say they can no longer build the safe walking and cycling link from Cheltenham Spa railway station to connect the Honeybourne Line to Shelburne Road and the A40. It should have been built after the car parking expansion, which destroyed an established woodland and continuous access to the Honeybourne Line. However, they now say they can't afford it due to rising costs and withdrawal of funding by the Department for Transport.

Without this link, there's no route suitable for all abilities of cycle user to connect from west Cheltenham, and the Gloucestershire A40 cycling spine, to the station and via the Honeybourne Line to Cheltenham town centre, residential areas and leisure facilities. The parallel Gloucester Road route is congested, has heavy traffic including HGVs, and a history of road traffic collisions. With growing congestion and a climate emergency, this accessible active travel link is urgently needed. 

With the combined budgets (and profits) of the responsible organisations, the excuse of insufficient funding after so many years is wearing thin, particularly as extra money was always found to park more cars.

It is time for the Department for Transport, working with GWR, Network Rail, GFirst LEP and the local councils to deliver on their promise, and build this missing link.

Sign the petition to show how important this link is to you, and to Cheltenham.

The end of the line for those not travelling onwards by car. The walking and cycling link was planned to run from here to pass under the left hand arch before looping back onto the A40 at Shelburne Road.

The original publicity material from GWR, promising an integrated scheme including improved access across the forecourt and a walking and cycling link. 

(Petition supported by the Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Cycling Campaign. Learn more about us and subscribe to our regular campaign newsletter for free here, or read more about our campaign activities on our website)