Plans to close ‘rat run’ to make it safer for bikes
NARROW ROAD WILL BE SHUT TO THROUGH TRAFFIC TO ENCOURAGE CYCLING
A ROAD in Beeston will be closed to through traffic in a move to encourage and make cycling safer.
Nottinghamshire County Council is behind the scheme to make the changes to Dovecote Lane, which residents say is used as a rat run by motorists to avoid traffic lights.
The road is narrow where it meets West End and the changes will make cycling along the route safer and more appealing.
The road will be subject to an “Experimental Traffic Regulation Order” (ETRO) – and residents, cyclists and motorists can provide feedback to the council.
Residents who use cars will still have access to their homes.
People in the area said the changes were necessary.
Retired businessman Roger Pinder, 68, said: “It’s been used for a long time as a cut-through to avoid traffic lights and a few people have used it before as like a race track.
“It’s a miracle that no-one has been killed or seriously injured before.
“The new plans will be an inconvenience for me because it’s a handy shortcut but I think it’s worth the sacrifice as cyclists and pedestrians will feel safer.”
Experimental orders can only stay in place for a maximum of 18 months, allowing changes to be made during the first six months.
Michael Snarey, 81, who has lived on the street for about five years, said the plans sounded promising.
He added: “It’s worth a try. There are quite a few cyclists on this road and, if you don’t experiment, you will never know. It wouldn’t be an inconvenience for me.”
Sang Park, 48, explained she supported the plans but that she had concerns about the congestion it may cause in other parts of Beeston.
She said: “In principle. It’s a good idea – particularly when you walk and cycle like we do.
“It’s not always safe to ride your bike on this road so I like it.
“But maybe a speed limit would be more practical long-term to avoid any congestion.
“I would also be concerned about delivery drivers not having easy access to make their deliveries on this street.”
Councillor Neil Clarke, chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s transport and environment committee, said: “Around 80 cycle trips currently take place on Dovecote Lane each day, but the road is very narrow at the northern end and we are keen to make it more appealing for cyclists of all ages.
“We know that nearby residents and motorists have concerns about the changes we are making in this area, and that’s why we’ve approved the use of an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order which will allow for the impacts of the changes to be assessed.
“Experimental orders can only stay in place for a maximum of 18 months and allow changes to the proposals to be made during the first six months.
“We will work closely with the local community following the implementation of the order to carry out a consultation at least one month after the changes have been made and will use the feedback to determine if the ETRO should be made permanent.
“I would encourage all residents in the area to have their say and I look forward to receiving the feedback at a future meeting of the transport and environment committee.”
It’s been used for a long time as a cutthrough to avoid traffic lights
Roger Pinder