It’s as if walking & cycling have been designed out of the new estates
The 2022 Permeability Survey
In 2022, BuzzCycles released the ‘Eastern Leighton Buzzard Permeability Survey,’ a critical look at how new housing developments were impacting the ability of residents to walk and cycle within their community. What we discovered was concerning:
- Isolation, not integration: New estates were effectively cut off from the existing town. This isolation forces residents into cars, even for short, local journeys.
- Increased car dependency and congestion: Predictably, this lack of connectivity is fueling car use and adding to the town’s existing traffic woes.
- A town divided: Barriers – both literal fences and a lack of proper pathways – are creating a divide, making it difficult for residents to access essential services like shops and schools without driving.
- Twelve key locations for improvement: We identified twelve specific areas where targeted interventions could dramatically improve walking and cycling connections.
- A focus on sustainable solutions: Our proposals prioritize the creation of safe and accessible walking and cycling routes, offering residents genuine alternatives to car travel.
2025 – A Missed Opportunity?
In 2025, with even more housing added to Eastern Leighton Buzzard, we returned to assess the situation, hoping to see progress. Sadly, little has changed. The ‘Great Wall of Leighton Buzzard’ as we’ve come to call it, still stands – a stark reminder of the persisting connectivity issues. While the new estates boast improved internal cycling and walking paths, these routes remain isolated, failing to connect due to the same barriers we highlighted in 2022: fences, obstacles, and unfinished paths leading to nowhere.
Three BuzzCycles members recently revisited the area, re-examining the original 12 problem locations and extending our survey to the newer developments. What we found was dishearteningly consistent – a network of disconnected paths and pervasive barriers.
The image below is a typical example of the obstacles we encountered throughout the new estates
Theedway – Grovebury Road
Our next steps for better walking and cycling connectivity
We’ve laid the groundwork, and now it’s time to build on it for the long term. Here’s what’s next:
- Building on our 2022 report, we will re-engage with Central Bedfordshire Council in 2025 to advocate for improved connectivity, with a focus on a safe cycle route to the new Leisure Centre.
- Seeking to avoid similar problems in the future, we have sought the support of our MP, Alex Mayer, to bring the consequences of central Government planning policy to the attention of national policymakers.
- Connecting with the community through campaign materials and social media at the Leighton Buzzard May Fayre & Canal Festival. We want to hear from you!