News / cycling
The multi-million-pound plans designed to improve cycling and walking in Bristol
Permanently installed separated cycle lanes and upgraded bus stops will form part of £3m transformation plans for Park Row.
More than a week after Bristol City Council posted about the spending on Twitter (mistakenly stating the funding is £3), it has confirmed some of the details of changes that will be taking place in the area as part of a bid to improve cycling and walking, while managing traffic flow and congestion.
Controversial ‘wands’ will separate cyclists and cars in the council’s plans for Park Row – image: Bristol City Council
It comes after a photo showing the temporary cycle lane on Park Row went viral, showing plastic wands designed to separate cyclists and cars lying in the road and vehicles parked on the pavement and blocking the cycle route.
is needed now More than ever
The council is also proposing to install a new separated route for cyclists in Old Market, and create a new connection to link the area with Castle Park and Baldwin Street.
As part of the new plans, a small section of cycle lane is to be created on Tower Hill between Jacob Street and Marybush Lane, near St Philip & St Jacob Church and Central Health Clinic, in a move designed to make it easier to travel by bike.
Announcing the £3m plans for Park Row have been given the green light, the council said the aims of the project are to:
- Make it easier to walk and cycle in the area by providing more space for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Support local businesses by boosting footfall.
- Improve the safety of traffic light junctions for all road users.
- Manage traffic flow and reduce pollution in the area.
- Encourage people to take the bus, walk or cycle to key destinations such as the hospital and university.
The works will include replacing pedestrian crossings and upgrading bus stops, with spaces allocated for loading bays and blue badge parking. Money will also be spent on planting in a bid to make the area “greener and more attractive”.
The council is also proposing to install a new separated route for cyclists in Old Market – photo: Martin Booth
Temporary measures designed to improve walking and cycling in the city were installed on key routes during the pandemic as part of a government-funded move to aid active travel and social distancing when public transport capacity was limited.
These latest plans will be a continuation of that work, with changes brought in on a temporary basis now to be made permanent.
Bristol24/7 has asked the council for further details on what the changes in Old Market and Tower Hill will entail, when they are due to be implemented and how much they will cost.
Read next:
- Photo of Bristol’s sub-standard cycling infrastructure goes viral
- Almost £6m to be spent on improving cycling infrastructure in Bristol
- Is Bristol a cycle-friendly city?
Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
