Secret Cycle Routes of Norwich - #1 Mile Cross

Two really useful cycle routes through the Mile Cross estate which seem to be a closely guarded secret, in that there's no signage to tell cyclists they exist. The Mile Cross estate is actually very well designed and features some reasonable cycle routes.

This video looks at two routes and assumes cyclists will want to connect with the Marriott's Way at Anderson's Meadow. There is a short missing link which involves crossing Mile Cross Road between Valpy Avenue and Havers Road.

The first route is a way to bypass Mile Cross Road, There has been talk for the past few years of building some kind of cycle infrastructure along here, but nothing has been built. Mile Cross Road is the direct route, but it's narrow, has car parking along much of both sides and carries a lot of traffic. There is also the dangerous roundabout junction with Drayton Road, there are light-controlled crossings for cyclists, but using them can be a slow process.

The alternative route to Aylsham Road is slightly longer than using Mile Cross Road, but it's far nicer and clearly safer.

The second route connects the crossing of Boundary Road, the outer ring road, through the estate to the Marriott's Way.

So what's needed? Really not very much, either a better crossing of Mile Cross Road from Valpy Avenue and a short section of cycle track to Havers Road, or better a cycle track running on the west side of Mile Cross Road down to the Marriott's Way which would allow a crossing of the main road under the bridge. Apart from that, all it needs is signage. A part of the route is signed as a way through to the Marriott's way via Sloughbottom Park, which is not the route into the city. But most of these signs have been turned around by kids and so point the wrong way.