New route planned to take cyclists away from ‘accident blackspot’
A NEW cycleway could be built next to the River Derwent in a move that would avoid an “accident blackspot”.
Highways England wands to create the track between Haslams Lane, in Darley Abbey, and Ford Lane, near Little Eaton, effectively bypassing the A38 and A61.
The 2km track, which would be made from an all-weather surface, would be situated between the river and the Derby-to-Duffield railway line.
The plans, which have been submitted by Highways England to Derby City Council and Erewash Borough Council, would see this take over from the current cycle route which runs alongside the A61 into Little Eaton.
Highways England says the new path would form part of a 19.5mile cycleway along the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.
In a planning statement submitted by WSP on behalf of Highways England it states this would go hand in hand with existing plans to turn the A38 Little Eaton junction into a flyover.
It states: “The proposed development will form an alternative to the existing cycle route that currently exists along the west verge of the A61 (part of NR54). This existing route is very narrow and there is no separation strip between the heavily trafficked A61 and the cycleway – this is considered to be unsafe by many of its users.”
The route would take the path to east of the Derwent, before crossing under the A38 and on to Ford Lane on the north side of the dual carriageway. It would run through “a functional flood plain”, something that could result in the path being frequently closed.
However, the applicant states an exception should be made as the area has been designed to flood and it would not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere.
The planning document says the hope is for the scheme to eventually link up with the Tissington Trail by completing gaps in the National Cycle Network in Derbyshire, while also providing benefits closer to Derby.
It states: “It is envisaged that the cycleway will create economic development benefits, including increased tourism; increased number of people commuting and providing opportunity for users to appreciate the open countryside and heritage in this location whilst improving air quality by making it safer to commute.”
The plans have been met with support from cyclists, with many happy it will help them avoid an area that was recently described as an “accident blackspot” by Derby Cycling Group.
In a letter to Derby City Council, one person wrote: “I think cycling infrastructure in and around Derby is poor. The proposed route will enable safer and healthier commuting by cycle, and easy family friendly safe cycling.
“Also it would be accessible to people using wheelchairs and pushchairs, helping them to access the countryside more easily and safely.
“The route would help to promote health and have environmental benefits by increasing the number of people cycle commuting and decreasing the number of cars commuting. It could help to ease road congestion at busy times too.”
Another person added: “The new proposed route is much needed as the current National Cycle Route 54 Alfreton Road is dangerous. The off-road proposed link will provide a safer and more pleasant route for cyclists and walkers alike.”
The full plans for the southern section can be viewed on the Derby City Council planning portal under the reference 20/01542/ FUL.
The full plans for the northern section can be viewed on the Erewash Borough Council planning portal under the reference 1220/0043.