The Green Loop is a key part of the council’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable transport and support active lifestyles...
Watford’s commitment to sustainable transport took a significant step forward this autumn with the official launch of the Green Loop, a 6.5-mile continuous cycling and walking route connecting the town’s vibrant urban landscape with its serene open spaces and heritage sites.
The route, which offers a scenic, eco-friendly alternative to driving, was celebrated by the Elected Mayor of Watford and local councillors, who were joined by SPOKES and Watford Cycle Hub for a picturesque autumnal ride through the Cassiobury Park section. They also viewed the newly installed signs and wayfinding totems that will guide users around the loop.
From the bustling Watford Junction to the tranquil Cassiobury Park, the Green Loop provides a safe and scenic way for residents and visitors to travel, whether for commuting, leisure, or shopping. Key sections of the route utilise the popular National Cycle Route 6, Ebury Way, and a network of cycle paths, making it a refreshing alternative to traffic while reducing pollution.
To help residents and visitors navigate the Green Loop, the council has developed a handy flyer and map, a directional cue sheet, and a GPS route planner, which can easily be integrated into navigation apps like Garmin. They highlight landmarks such as the River Colne, Oxhey Activity Park, Ebury Way, Grand Union Canal, and Whippendell Wood, and you can view them at www.watford.gov.uk/greenloop.
Over the coming years, a series of enhancements is planned to further improve the Green Loop, including the addition of new cycleways, the widening and resurfacing of existing footways and cycleways, and improvements to cycle crossing facilities at key junctions. Road markings and updated signage will also be installed to support cyclists and pedestrians across the town. For more information on future proposals, please visit www.watford.gov.uk/proposals/future-travel-watford-proposals.
These exciting future developments were showcased in an innovative way last year through an immersive virtual reality (VR) bike ride, allowing participants to experience the Green Loop’s future. The computer-generated video can be viewed at youtube.com/@WatfordBoroughCouncil.
Photography by Steve Blood
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “The Green Loop will be an important addition to our local cycle network and it very much fits with our strategy of giving more travel options. This was a key manifesto commitment of mine, and I am pleased with the progress we are making. It’s important that we make walking and cycling easier in Watford. This will reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, and encourage people to be more active.”
Cllr Ian Stotesbury, Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and Transport, said: “The Green Loop is a fantastic new part of our cycling infrastructure across our town and marks the beginning of our wider plans to deliver a range of improvements to tackle congestion. The route will help lots of residents in many ways, to commute across the town or to visit some of the beautiful woodland and rivers in our town.”
SPOKES Southwest Herts Chairperson, Peter Jackson, said: “The Green Loop not only connects key areas of Watford but also encourages more people to adopt cycling as a regular part of their routine. It’s a fantastic resource for making active, sustainable travel accessible to everyone in the community.”
As the world continues to tackle climate change, initiatives like this will play an increasingly important role in building sustainable communities. You can find out more about what the council is doing – including its target to net zero carbon town by 2030 or earlier at www.watford.gov.uk/sustainablewatford.
Photography by Steve Blood
