‘Safe’ cycle path still not open
A NEW safe cycle path installed on a main road where a teenager was killed last year is yet to be opened – a year after his death.
The new cycle path along the Southern Distributor Road (SDR) in Newport has a ramp connecting the road to a new path and on to the current walk and cycle network near the Lysaght Village.
The new infrastructure is seen as a move towards making the road – which has been the site of several serious car accidents in the past few years – safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
But despite looking all set to go during the summer, it has yet to open to the public.
“It’s hard to say when it’s been completed as it’s still not formally open, but one workman did tell me construction on the ramp and paths were completed back in August,” said Dan Coast from the Cycling Newport group.
“This new infrastructure will enable people to get from the south to the north of the SDR in safety or by having to wait to cross seven sets of lights around by Morrison’s superstore or the two sets of lights by the Blaina Wharf pub.”
Last October 16-year-old Joshua Fletcher was tragically killed after he was knocked off his bike on the road, near the Blaina Wharf pub. Just over a fortnight later another teenage boy sustained injuries while riding a bike on the road. There was also a crash earlier this year after signs were left in the middle of the road.
A campaign to change the speed limit or the layout of the road led by Joshua’s aunt Avril Fletcher later prompted the council to launch a safety review of the road the following month. The speed limit on the SDR bridge and adjacent junction has since been reduced to 40mph.
Mr Coast said his cycling group, which works with the council to promote cycling initiatives in the area, wanted to see the new path opened as soon as possible.
“Whilst traffic lights on the whole make crossing roads safer, the time spent waiting at the lights which favour road users is a factor that contributes to putting people off of walking, cycling or those using mobility aids as part of everyday local journeys.
“We appreciate the hard work that has been done by the council to get this infrastructure in place to help encourage more people out of their cars and to make active travel journeys safer, and we just would love to see it open and in use. With the seasons’ change, the importance of it being open now is paramount.”
A Newport City Council spokesperson said: “The new active travel route at Monkey Island in Lliswerry will be opened once additional works to further improve accessibility are completed.
“These will start this coming weekend, and we will provide further
updates once they have been completed.
“We apologise to residents for the delays we are experiencing in opening the route, and for any confusion caused by previous communications regarding the route being open.”