WORK to transform Salisbury’s Green Lane into a Safer Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Route is underway.
Wiltshire Council has said it is progressing major upgrades to the well‑used but currently muddy, uneven and poorly lit path running between Old Sarum and Bishopdown.
The improvements aim to create a safer, accessible, traffic‑free route for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users, mobility‑aid users and horse riders, turning the rough track into a modern, 21st‑century active‑travel corridor for the community.
Green Lane is an off‑road route used daily by residents walking, wheeling or riding, providing a vital safe route for schoolchildren travelling to the secondary schools in Laverstock.
Cycling instructor, Jimmy Walker, said: “As a Wiltshire Council Bikeability instructor we train many Year 6 pupils to cycle.
“This new route will provide children with an appropriate and safer route so that they can cycle to the Laverstock schools independently and also use the route for leisure trips too.”
Green lane to provide active travel options to residents
However, the lane is currently narrow, rutted and difficult to navigate for wheelchair users, mobility scooters and parents with prams. With no lighting, it becomes extremely dark in winter, discouraging use during the colder months.
Local Laverstock & Ford Councillor Nick Baker said: “We are delighted that this route has been funded by Active Travel England.
“It provides a safe and healthy choice for school children and residents travelling from the north of the city, which will help reduce vehicle traffic coming into our parish in Laverstock.”
Wiltshire Council data shows that Salisbury has the highest concentration of obesity in the county, with 1 in 5 adults classified as overweight or obese. Safe, segregated and low‑traffic routes give residents a practical alternative to short car journeys, helping reduce congestion and improve air quality.
Local GP Dr Helena McKeown said: “As a medical doctor, I know how important physical activity is to residents, and this new route gives them a safe and healthy choice that will make a real difference to their lives and their children’s lives today and into the future.”
Green Lane, Salisbury upgrades
Wiltshire Council is implementing four major upgrades to make Green Lane accessible year‑round:
- All‑Weather Surfacing: Smooth, durable surfacing suitable for pedestrians, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, buggies and bikes.
- New Street Lighting: Improved visibility to help women, children and vulnerable residents feel safe after dark.
- Pearce Way Parallel Crossing: A raised‑table crossing enabling pedestrians and cyclists to cross safely.
- Roman Road Traffic Calming: Speed‑reduction measures at the junction to improve safety for all users.
The project forms part of the Salisbury Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) with funding secured through developer contributions and grants from Active Travel England.
Chair of Cycling Opportunities Group for Salisbury (COGS) Rob Jacobs said: “If you build appropriate, safe routes, people will use them.
“Many residents are already delighted with these changes, particularly as traffic speeds on roads crossing Green Lane are reduced, which will be safer for parents and children using the crossings.”
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