The Infrastructure Department began replacing the top surface of the existing shared foot and cycle path, next to Grouville Common, with brown asphalt last month, after the previous surface was found to be prone to potholes, unsuitable for people in wheelchairs and difficult for cyclists to negotiate.
It is hoped the new surface will reduce the amount of maintenance required and increase use of the path.
Infrastructure Minister Kevin Lewis said: ‘It is very encouraging hearing the feedback from Islanders using the cycle path. This project, along with cycle networks around the Island, is vital in supporting our Sustainable Transport Policy and is another step in reaching our target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
‘These improvements to the off-road path between Gorey Village and Ville-és-Renauds have made it a more desirable route to walk, run, cycle and scooter along, making it easier and more convenient for the community to travel sustainably.’
The improvements cost £235,000. However, cycling advocacy group Cycle4Jersey says that the new asphalt surface will reduce costs in the long term as the previous surface was difficult to maintain.
‘We look at this as being a commuter path, not a cycle track, as it enables many different folk using different means of transport to travel off-road safely,’ said Cycle4Jersey member Alistair Mitchell.
He added that the improvements would encourage people to use the track and that the new surface ‘enables all-year use without the issue of grit and pebbles causing punctures or damaging small wheels’.
‘This is a main route to school for Grouville children and also serves the local shops. It keeps many users away from what is a busy road.’
