Norfolk County Council is taking action to help residents get into Norwich during the ongoing A11 improvement works by National Highways.
While these works are bringing much needed investment and improvements to a major junction in Norfolk they also bring significant disruption for people, and we’re committed to providing alternative travel options that make journeys easier and quicker for people.
As part of our work to keep Norfolk moving we’re investing in the Beryl bike and e-scooter network along the A11 corridor, focusing on Wymondham and Hethersett. This investment includes:
- 35 new e-bikes and 35 new e-scooters dedicated to routes most impacted by major roadworks – starting with the A11 corridor.
- Additional Beryl bays opening up in key locations along the route including in Wymondham, Hethersett, Cringleford and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH).
- Clearing and improving the cycle route to ensure safe and convenient travel for those wanting to make use of the blue pedalway for access into Norwich
Cllr Graham Plant, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Transport, said: “We know the A11 works are disruptive, and we’re working hard to make sure people have practical alternatives. By expanding the Beryl network and improving cycling infrastructure, we’re giving those residents who are fed up with sitting in traffic more options to leave the car at home and try other options while these essential improvements take place.”
These measures will give residents more sustainable travel choices, helping reduce reliance on cars and easing congestion during the roadworks.
The southern section of the blue pedalway connects Wymondham to the city via Hethersett. It runs mostly on off-road shared-use pavements and it’s full distance is 8.9 miles taking the average person 45 minutes on a pedal bike, quicker on an e-bike or e-scooter.
Hethersett to Norwich is around 6.6 miles taking the average person 35 minutes on a bike.
Alternatively, people can travel on the blue pedalway to the Thickthorn Park & Ride site (less than 5 miles from Wymondham) which has beryl bays and then swap onto a park & ride bus.
With extended bus lanes helping to keep buses moving travel time from the park & ride site into Norwich is approximately 15-20 minutes.
Or swap modes in Cringleford for regular bus services into Norwich or to the NNUH and research park.
Patrick Donnelly, Director of Policy at Beryl, said: “We’re pleased to be working closely with Norfolk County Council to offer residents in Wymondham and Hethersett practical, sustainable travel choices during the A11 improvement works. The investment in 35 new e-bikes and 40 new e-scooters, alongside additional Beryl bays, is specifically designed to strengthen the blue pedalway as a reliable alternative to driving into Norwich. Our vehicles are designed to make sustainable travel easy and accessible, and we’re proud to help keep Norfolk moving while these essential roadworks are completed.”
For more information on the Beryl network and how to access bikes and scooters, visit https://beryl.cc/scheme/norwich
