On Yer Bike!
Posted by Sam (Sub-Editor) from Cardiff - Published on 12/08/2009 at 16:37
- Tagged as Climate, Environment, Health, Travel
REVIEW OF CITY CENTRE CYCLING
Following the creation of Wales’ first Sustainable Travel City a number of major new plans are gathering momentum in Cardiff and the council is now beginning a review of city centre cycling.
During its initial stages the joint Assembly/Council sustainable travel initiative will include the pedestrianisation of St Mary Street and a Smart bike scheme, allowing users to rent and ride. These improvements, among others, demand a coherent strategy for cycling in vehicle restricted areas of Cardiff city centre, including High Street/St Mary Street.
The council has undertaken an 18 month trial on cycling in Queen Street (between 4pm and 10am). This scheme will come to an end on Tuesday 18th August. A number of objections were received which will need to be resolved with key stakeholders, in order for the council to decide on a consistent way forward for cycling access in the city centre.
During the Queen Street trial period the council has monitored the situation closely and remained in contact with a number of groups. Considerable opposition was received from both South Wales Police and disabled groups in particular.
The re-assessment of cycling in vehicle restricted areas will include the use of Queen Street and will incorporate a series of workshops later in the year. Police chiefs, retailers and disabled and cycling groups will all be invited to give their views and discuss a mutually acceptable way forward.
Executive Member for Transport Cllr Delme Bowen said: “Cycling is at the heart of our sustainable travel scheme and we are committed to encouraging people to think about using bikes. With a series of major pedestrian improvements now underway we are working to ensure cyclists can be properly accommodated right across the city centre. The end of the Queen Street trial enables us to continue work on the single, universal policy that the city centre now demands.”
