Barnby - Carlton Colville 'Quietway' Propsosal

Tuesday, 13 January 2026 06:00

Plans are being developed for a new rural Quietway linking Barnby and Carlton Colville, designed to make local roads safer and more welcoming for walking and cycling.

Suffolk County Council has selected the route between the two villages for the scheme, which is being delivered by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust in partnership with the council. The route follows part of National Cycle Network route 517, which already connects Barnby and Carlton Colville as part of a wider UK-wide network.

Quietways are intended to reduce vehicle speeds and traffic levels on rural roads, creating safer conditions for people walking, wheeling and cycling. They are designed to encourage more people to travel actively, including children, older residents and those with mobility needs.

Proposed changes can include lower speed limits, Quiet Lane signage, narrower carriageways, surface treatments and traffic-calming features such as build-outs or speed cushions. Some junctions may also be altered, and signage improved to highlight the route.

The Barnby to Carlton Colville section was chosen because it already forms part of the National Cycle Network, uses country lanes with lower traffic volumes and runs parallel to other roads that can carry heavier traffic. The route also links residential areas, schools, green spaces and nearby towns, and has the potential to reduce traffic by encouraging more local journeys to be made without cars.

Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, custodians of the National Cycle Network, say the aim is to create healthier places and safer, more enjoyable routes for everyday travel. Engagement events are being held locally to give residents the chance to view the proposals and share their views.