By Local Democracy & Public Affairs Reporter not affiliated to the BBC LDRS
Rutland County Council has officially opened a public consultation, inviting residents, business owners, and visitors to shape the future of local transport. The proposed scheme aims to construct a dedicated, safe cycling facility along Stamford Road, finally closing a notorious missing link between Oakham town centre and Rutland Water. The public survey is officially open and will run until Tuesday, 7th July 2026.
Rutland Water stands as one of the region’s premier tourist destinations and a treasured recreational hub for locals. However, safely navigating the journey from Oakham town centre on two wheels or on foot has long posed a challenge due to a lack of continuous, dedicated infrastructure. The new initiative seeks to change that by establishing a direct, high-quality active travel connection. According to the Council, the project is designed to boost sustainable tourism, support local businesses, lower regional carbon emissions, and offer a viable alternative to private car journeys.
The planned route is set to begin near Oakham Library, weave along Catmos Street and Stamford Road, and ultimately blend into the existing network, including the Burley Park Way shared-use route, leading straight to the water.
To ensure the infrastructure is genuinely safe for users of all ages and confidence levels, the preferred layout has been drafted in accordance with LTN 1/20, which represents the UK's strict national design standards for high-quality cycle infrastructure. The blueprints outline a series of comprehensive transformations for Stamford Road, spearheaded by fully segregated cycling facilities that physically separate cyclists from both motor vehicles and pedestrians. The project also introduces upgraded crossings, including side-road treatments and signal-controlled Toucan crossings that allow cyclists and pedestrians to cross safely together. To finish the route, the Council plans to install clearer directional signage, brighter lighting, and completely resurfaced pathways.
Highlighting the community and health benefits, Councillor Oliver Hemsley, Rutland County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport, emphasised that these proposals are entirely about making it easier and safer for people to travel by bike or on foot. He noted that improving active travel links between Oakham and Rutland Water will support healthier lifestyles, encourage sustainable tourism, reduce traffic, and improve overall connectivity across the county.
The Council stresses that local insight is vital for the next phase of the design process. Planners are actively seeking feedback on existing safety issues along Stamford Road, specific localised bottlenecks, and how frequently people anticipate using the lanes. Before final construction can begin, the Council will utilize the public feedback to refine the blueprints while balancing environmental impact assessments and securing final delivery funding.
Full information on the Oakham to Rutland Water cycleway scheme can be found on the Rutland County Council Active Travel Page, and residents can share their views directly by completing the online Rutland Water Cycleway Survey.
Full Scheme Details: To view the complete maps, scope, and planning documents, visit the
Public Survey: To submit your feedback directly to the planning team, fill out the online
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