Swindon Borough Council are making sure developers play their part in encouraging active travel as part of the planning process.
Here are some of the initiatives.
As part of developer obligations, there are cycling offers for residents in large new developments.
Badbury Park
Thanks to Persimmon and Redrow, the first resident in each property is entitled to a £100 cycle voucher. This can be redeemed at Mitchell Cycles or Recycles. Mitchell Cycles is a family-run local bike shop based on Shrivenham Road (by the Magic Roundabout) providing a range of bikes and services. Recycles is a social enterprise based on Princes Street in the town centre which sells refurbished bikes, equipment and services at a reduced cost (you can also donate any pre-loved bikes here).
Your £100 cycle voucher can be used against any of the following purchases:
- Adult bikes (including e-bikes, adapted cycles etc.)
- Cycle equipment to help you make journeys by bike (such as pannier bags, cycle racks, baskets, mudguards, trailers, lights, child-seats etc.)
- Cycle safety clothing (such as hi-viz and waterproof clothing, gloves, helmets etc.)
- Services and repairs (Does not including upgrades to components for cycle sports)
If your household hasn’t claimed your voucher, contact the travel plan co-ordinator.
Wichelstowe (Canalside, Wichel Fields and the Orchards)
Residents in the new Barratt and David Wilson Homes in Wichelstowe can take advantage of the “Borrow a Bike” scheme. Through the initiative, you can borrow an electric, folding, or hybrid bike for up to 6 weeks to see whether cycling is for you.
You are also entitled to apply for free bus travel.
Information can be found in your Household Travel Information Pack, or on the development’s travel website.
Vicarage Gardens, South Marston
Residents in the Bellway homes in South Marston can take advantage of the “Borrow a Bike” scheme.
Through the initiative, you can borrow an electric, folding, or hybrid bike for up to 6 weeks to see whether cycling is for you.
Information can be found in your Household Travel Information Pack, or on the development’s travel website.
First residents in each home can also have free weekly passes for the S6 bus that travels between Swindon and Oxford via Shrivenham and Faringdon. The leaflet containing the voucher is in your Household Travel Information Pack.
The Paddocks, Blunsdon
Residents in the Hills Homes development in Blunsdon, called The Paddocks are entitled to claim either a 3-month bus pass or a bike voucher of the same value.
Details of how to claim your offer will be in your Household Travel Information Pack. (If it isn’t, please let travelplans@swindon.gov.uk know!)
Hayfield Wood, Blunsdon
Residents in the Hayfield Wood development in Blunsdon, will be entitled to claim a week’s bus taster ticket and will be able to borrow a bike. We understand that the developer is still in the process of setting it up, so watch this space!
As with all developments, the Travel Information Packs will be bulging with maps and information about getting around actively!
Skylark Meadow, Blunsdon
As a small development of 30 houses, Newland Homes don’t have to make such a big commitment under the planning process as some of the developments on this page.
However, each new household has received a Travel Information pack, containing travel information, walking and cycling maps of the area, and bus timetables.
Via Alveus, Blunsdon
As a small development of 43 houses, Greensquare don’t have to make such a big commitment under the planning process as some of the developments on this page.
However, each new household will received a Travel Information pack, containing travel information, walking and cycling maps of the area, and bus timetables, as well as a voucher for a free month’s bus pass.
Abbey Farm
The first residents at the Redrow and Linden Homes development at Abbey Farm in North Swindon are eligible for a £55 voucher that can be redeemed at Mitchell Cycles in Swindon. One voucher per household, the voucher can be used as part payment for any bicycle, equipment or clothing.
The voucher would have been included in the Travel Information Pack that the first residents received when moving in.
If you did not receive a pack or a voucher, contact Travel Plan Co-ordinator, Chris Curtis.
Ridgeway Farm
Whilst this development is nearly a decade old since first occupation, Taylor Wimpey promised the offer of a £50 cycle voucher to exchange at Halfords to the first occupants of each dwelling.
Details of how to get the voucher would have been in your travel information pack.
Ambrose Gardens, Croft Road
The small Taylor Wimpey development off Croft Road promises that “The Welcome Pack will offer each household either a four-week free bus pass or a cycle discount voucher of a similar value. The voucher can be claimed by contacting the Travel Plan Coordinator.” The Travel Plan Co-ordinator is named as Sam Moloney, phone 0117 2441 970.
Burderop Park
As part of the planning permission, residents in the upcoming Burderop Park development will receive a travel information pack on occupation of their home, are entitled to claim a cycle purchase discount and a one-week bus pass.
We will endeavour to get contact details to publish on this page, but in the meantime, speak to sales office staff.
Queen’s Drive
Residents in the new homes on Queen’s Drive can take advantage of the “Borrow a Bike” scheme. Through the initiative, you can borrow an electric, folding, or hybrid bike for up to 6 weeks to see whether cycling is for you.
You are also entitled to apply for free bus travel.
Information can be found in your Household Travel Information Pack, or on the development’s travel website.
Stratton Villas
A letter will be given to each new resident at Stratton Villas containing links to bus timetables, local cycle and walking maps. There’s also details of how to claim back the money for a week’s Mega Rider on Stagecoach buses. If you’ve not received your letter when moving in, then email mail@newdawnhomes.co.uk.
Redlands Park (now Backhouse Highworth)
Residents in the Backhouse development south of Highworth can take advantage of the “Borrow a Bike” scheme.
Through the initiative, you can borrow an electric, folding, or hybrid bike for up to 6 weeks to see whether cycling is for you.
Information can be found in your Household Travel Information Pack, or on the development’s travel website.
First residents in each home can also have free weekly passes for the Stagecoach 7 bus that travels between Swindon and Highworth. The leaflet containing the voucher is in your Household Travel Information Pack.
Coming in 2023 and beyond … watch this space!
Oakfield Campus
Catsbrain Farm (Persimmon’s Stanton Chase)
Redlands, New Eastern Villages
Marlborough Road
Backhouse Blunsdon
Shrivenham Road, Highworth
Swindon Cycle Campaign 