Progress on transforming Green Lane into a safer route for walking wheeling and cycling in Salisbury
Wiltshire Council is upgrading Green Lane, between Roman Road and Pearce Way, to create a safer, accessible, traffic-free route for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users, and horse riders. This is an update on the progress so far as the muddy rough dark lane is turned into a 21st century walking, wheeling and cycling lane for the community.
What and where is Green Lane?
Green Lane connects Longhedge and Old Sarum in the north of Salisbury down through Bishopdown to Laverstock. It provides a vital, off-road link for residents walking, wheeling, or riding, and offers local school children a much safer journey to the secondary schools in Laverstock. However, Green lane is very rough, rutted and narrow in places. This make it very difficult for those in wheelchairs or pushing prams to travel along the route. With a lack of lighting the route is very dark in winter and is not an attractive route during the darker months.
Nick Baker, Local Laverstock & Ford Councillor 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 traveling from the north of the city, which will help reduce vehicle traffic coming into our parish in Laverstock.”
Why this project matters for the local community
Physical activity levels and road safety are major priorities for the local community. Currently, only 2–3% of children and 7% of women in Wiltshire cycle to school or work, largely due to safety concerns on busy roads.
Jimmy Walker who is a Local Bikeability Instructor 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.”
Why does active travel matter?
Wiltshire council data shows that Salisbury records the highest concentration of obesity in Wiltshire with 1 in 5 adults classified as overweight or obese. These safer segregated, traffic free and low-traffic connections give residents a practical, healthy alternative to short car journeys, helping cut local congestion and air pollution.
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.”
What will be the main changes to Green Lane
To make the route accessible and comfortable for everyone year-round, the council is delivering four main improvements:
- All-Weather Surfacing: Smooth, upgraded ground surfaces for pedestrian, mobility scooters, wheelchairs, buggies, and bikes.
- New Street Lighting: Improved visibility to ensure women, children, and vulnerable residents feel secure using the path after dark.
- Pearce Way Parallel Crossing: A new raised-table crossing allowing pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road safely.
- Roman Road Traffic Calming: Speed-reduction measures at the Green Lane junction will slow approaching vehicles to improve safety for all users.
Who funded the scheme
The scheme forms part of the Salisbury Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). Funding was secured through a mix of developer contributions and Active Travel England (ATE) grants, including a £375,000 award in April 2024 and a share of the £3.1m county-wide active travel investment secured in December 2025.
Rob Jacobs, Chair of Cycling Opportunities Group for Salisbury (COGS) 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 .” —
Images supplied by Jimmy Walker and Tommy Reade (Wiltshire Council Highways and Transport)
