Cycle lane plans spark concerns about parking
PROPOSALS WOULD ALSO SEE CENTRAL REFUGE REMOVED
PLANS for new cycle lanes in the Beechdale area have prompted concerns over parking from some residents.
Nottingham City Council received £40 million from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund for walking and cycling schemes, which it plans to use for a foot and cycle bridge over the River Trent and the new cycle lanes in Beechdale Road.
The project includes plans for a segregated two-way cycle lane on the north side of Beechdale Road from Lidl to Robins Wood Road.
A segregated two-way cycle lane on the north side of Hollington Road is also planned, along with upgraded segregated single-way cycle lanes on both sides of Wigman Road.
And the existing cycle lanes and central refuge will be retained between the roundabout at Beechdale shops and the junction with Aspley Lane and Strelley Road.
But some residents and businesses fear it could impact parking in the area.
Russ Stevenson, 56, owner of Roadcraft School of Motorcycling in Beechdale Road, said: “It will affect business because of the parking.
“It will be awkward for parking especially with us having a motorcyclerelated business we are going to be restricted on where we can put our bikes.
“Also with the way the cars are going in forwards – they’re going to have to reverse out which is going to cause traffic issues.
“I think improving road safety is a good idea – the problem is it could affect local businesses with the way the parking is being made. There’s already a cycle lane here.
“I don’t’ think it’s going to make much difference [to the traffic]”
Ian Kemp, 47, owner of G Kemp and Son butchers in Beechdale Road, told the Post he thought the scheme was a waste of money.
He said: “If they take the parking and make it better then I have no issues.
“But if they’re going to put a cycle lane that hardly anyone is going to use – it’s disgusting.
“Quite frankly they could have used the money for something a lot better – like repairing the roads and repairing the pavements.
“It’s a concern for local residents – if the parking is bad here, they’re going to get people parking over their drives.
“If they want to put a cycle lane in. that’s fine.
“To me it’s a waste of money – but I don’t cycle. For somebody that does it probably is a good idea.”
There are also plans to remove the existing central refuge along Beechdale Road from Western Boulevard to Beechdale shops as part of the scheme.
Beechdale Road resident Catherine Smith, 71, said: “I think it’s always nice for cyclists to have a cycle lane.
“It’s going to spoil the parking for visitors coming.
“Obviously you can’t please everyone. What I heard that I didn’t like that they’re getting rid of the central reservation.
“How am I going to cross this road without a central reservation? That bothers me. Especially when one is very slow and old when walking – to get the middle anyway is quite a feat. It’s going to be a bit of a worry.”
A public consultation was carried out by the city council.
A spokesperson for the authority said: “Following the consultation, we will review the responses and start developing the final scheme toward the end of this year, with a view to works starting on site early in the new year. Works will be phased to minimise disruption.”
Thed council says it is committed to developing cycle routes - including the Western Cycle Corridor on Castle Boulevard, and Eastern Cycle Corridor on Daleside Road – after receiving Government funding to build on this and deliver new and improved facilities for walking and cycling.