The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Calls for new cycle lanes in city
Metro mayor wants schemes to encourage people to get on their bikes
A call has gone out for new pop-up cycle lanes in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire.
Metro mayor James Palmer said he has asked leader of Peterborough City Council Cllr John Holdich, and leader of Cambridgeshire County Council Cllr Steve Count, for ideas of schemes which can be introduced.
Cycling has seen a boost in popularity during the current coronavirus crisis, with people using it as a form of exercise during lockdown.
Mayor Palmer is leader of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority - the lead transport authority in the county.
He tweeted: “Now is the time to encourage more cycling in Cambridgeshire.”
Cllr Holdich told the Peterborough Telegraph that staff have been looking at pop-up cycle lanes for the past week, but that staff shortages due to coronavirus was hindering their progress.
He said: “I think it’s a good idea. We’re looking at the possibilities.”
Asked if a pop-up lane in Bridge Street is an option, he replied with a resounding: “No,” adding: “There’s no reason for anyone to cycle through Bridge Street as you can go round and it’s only an extra 50 yards.”
Is there anywhere in Peterborough you would like to see a cycle lane introduced? Send us your ideas to joel.lamy@jpimedia.co.uk or through social media.
Plans for pop-up cycle lanes in Peterborough drew a large response from city residents after the story appeared on the PT’s website.
Cllr Nick Sandford, leader of the Lib Dem group on Peterborough City Council: “It’s something I would be really supportive of. There’s been a massive upsurge in the number of people out cycling. I’ve been going out for daily cycling and I’ve seen lots of people cycling.
“There’s been a big fall in pollution and one of the challenges is to find the means when restrictions are lifted to get people to continue cycling.
“There is a huge variation in cycling facilities across Peterborough. In central areas like Central ward and Park ward you find cyclists have no option but to cycle on the street.”
Green Party city councillor Nicola Day: “Our residential and urban streets need to be more pedestrian and cyclefriendly. “I have been highlighting issues faced on Crescent Bridge as the paths on both sides are significantly less than two metres wide. Pedestrians’ and cyclists’ only choice is to ignore government social distancing rules or use the live traffic lane - both options are dangerous.
“We would like to see the three traffic lanes converted to two, with the extra lane being used to give pedestrians and cyclists increased access so they can use this vital route into the city centre safely.”
Christine Haynes emailed: “Rather than see more cycleways I would like to see cyclists educated regarding not cycling on pathways that are meant for pedestrians.’’
Neil Pirie Tweeted: As a regular social cyclist and triathlete put the signs where you like. The road surface is disgusting/dangerous, drivers are intolerant and I have a wish to live a little longer.