Call to make road space available for pedestrians
THE Green Party is calling for sections of roads in Bristol to be coned off to enable the widening of pavements and help social distancing.
Green councillors is asking Bristol City Council to temporarily “reclaim” roads for walkers and cyclists struggling to keep two metres apart during the coronavirus lockdown, including shutting some residential areas to throughtraffic.
The Labour administration says it was already investigating the ideas but that vehicle access is vital to ensuring essential supplies can get through to vulnerable people in isolation.
Last month, residents in Avon Crescent put their own markers down on the road to keep runners far enough from their homes.
Green group leader Cllr Eleanor
Combley said she had emailed Mayor Marvin Rees and cabinet member for transport Cllr Kye Dudd urging them to take space from cars to extend pedestrian space in busy areas and near shops, filter traffic near people’s homes and temporarily widen cycle lanes.
She said cities around the world were taking similar measures during the coronavirus pandemic.
Cllr Combley said: “During this crisis it is important that we do everything we can to reduce the burden on the NHS. We can do that by keeping people safe and preventing road traffic accidents.
“And we can also help slow the spread of Covid-19 by ensuring people have the space to move around for exercise or essential shopping at a safe distance from each other.
“That is why I am calling on Bristol City Council to take temporary measures to make more space available to pedestrians and cyclists and reduce crowding.
“Cities across the world are already doing this, from Auckland to Winnipeg and from Berlin to Bogota, and in the UK Transport for London and other councils are already actively considering what can be done. We should do everything in our power to keep people safe.”
Cllr Dudd said: “Like all responsible politicians, I want to echo Marvin’s thanks to all Bristolians who are staying home to slow the spread of the coronavirus and save lives.
“Our streets are much safer and quieter as a result for people taking their daily exercise, with air pollution much reduced, while our inspiring NHS and other key workers continue to move around Bristol. After Cllr Marg Hickman and other Labour councillors raised this idea weeks ago, I directed transport officers to investigate where such measures might be necessary and feasible.
“However, road access is important to ensure essential supplies are provided to people being shielded, are accessible for all and that we do not cause unforeseen consequences that damage our ability to support everyone through this pandemic.
“Like other cities, we are exploring how we might continue to build on the success of our school streets closures.
“Once the lockdown is lifted, and as Bristol recovers and rebuilds, we will continue to work to make our streets safer, improve walking and cycling, and make public transport more reliable and affordable.”