A project to build an accessible, traffic-free route around Dursley, Gloucestershire
The Veteran-Cycle Club has close links with Dursley in Gloucester as we hold our annual Pedersen Gathering in the town to commemorate one of the iconic machines of the 19th and early 20th centuries and the man who invented them, Mikael Pedersen. Our next event in Dursley is on 18 April 2026 when we will be gathering in the Market Square a 11 am – if you would like to see these wonderful machines come and join us and some may also attend the opening of a new section of The Pedersen Way the following week.
The Pedersen Way project is a visionary initiative aimed at transforming local travel by establishing a sale, accessible and, where possible, traffic-free route connecting Cam and Dursley railway station with the surrounding communities of Cam, Dursley, Uley, Coaley and Slimbridge. Designed for walkers, cyclists and wheelchair users, the route will offer improved access to local schools and promote healthier, more active lifestyles for residents of all ages. Parts of the route are already open and being used in Littlecombe and the North East Cam Development off Box Road.
The project commenced in 2007 and originally known as the Cam, Dursley and Uley Greenway. This name was chosen to reflect the proposed route from Cam and Dursley Station along the former railway line into the centre of Dursley. After much planning and assessment it became clear that most of the original railway route could not be used so work was undertaken to identify and alternative that would deliver the project’s goals.
Over time the scope of the project has expanded. Uley was added and work is underway to explore connections to Coaley and Slimbridge. Given these developments, the original name no longer accurately reflects the nature and direction of the project, therefore, a name change was considered necessary to capture the broader vision and purpose of the route. The project organisers are delighted to announce that the route will now be known as the Pedersen Way after the man whose inspiration and innovation produced the Pedersen bicycle and who lived and worked in Dursley.
On 24th April 2026 a key section will be opened by Olympic gold medallist and world champion cyclists Chris Boardman, who is now the Commissioner of Active Travel England, alongside Dr Simon Opher MP.
The project leader, Phil Littleford, invites Pedersen owners to attend the opening with the machines.
For more information see: www.pedersenway.org.uk
