Plan for pop-up cycleway along busy city street
PLANS have been revealed for a new cycleway on Albany Road, as work to make Wellfield Road one-way for motor vehicles is set to begin.
The two streets in Roath could soon be much safer to walk and cycle down with more space given to pedestrians and cyclists.
Cardiff council will soon consult the public on the plans to build a pop-up cycleway on Albany Road, similar to the one being built closer to the city centre.
The route would run from the junction at City Road and Mackintosh Place – locally referred to as “Death Junction” due to its history as a site of public executions centuries ago – to the junction with Wellfield Road.
It would run along the north side of the road, with parking for motor vehicles removed.
The south side of the road would have limited parking for motorists, with specific space for blue badge holders too.
The work could begin early next year, if the public consultation shows support. Cycling campaigners have praised the plans.
Cardiff Cycle City wrote on Twitter: “Great ambition being shown by Cardiff council recently. A cycleway on Albany Road is an essential to get people safely to the shops, Wellfield
Road, Roath Park and beyond.” Roath Living Streets Group said: “Extend this down Richmond Road to connect with the cycleway on Newport Road, and it could transform traffic levels in the whole area. 10 minutes into town on a bike. Why bother with the car at all?”
On Wellfield Road, work on the second phase of changes is due to begin this Sunday, according to a council spokesman. The first phase in the summer saw tree planters, and parking spaces given over to restaurants for diners to sit outside.
The second phase will include making the road one-way to motor vehicles, driving only north from Albany Road to Ninan Road; the pavement on the west side widened; and a pop-up cycleway.
That cycleway will link to the proposed route on Albany Road, another route on Richmond Road, and into the city centre.
The Wellfield Road work should take around four weeks to finish.
Three quarters of people responding to a public consultation were in favour of the changes, with 26 per cent against them.
Those opposing the changes said they would displace cars, buses and pollution onto Pen-y-Lan Road; while those supporting said the measures would make it safer for cyclists, pedestrians and diners sitting on the street outside restaurants and bars.
A spokesman for Cardiff council said: “The final scheme strikes a balance between improving outside space for visitors and residents, ensuring that businesses have outside space to trade, while re-instating some short-stay parking on Wellfield Road for customers to use.
“We have worked closely with local traders and local councillors to agree the final scheme and the endorsement from local residents is very encouraging to see.
“This is part of an ongoing project to improve local shopping areas across the city, as part of our response to the ongoing pandemic.”