Cyclist hits back at claims bike-friendly changes in Sheffield are "ridiculous"

QUOTE:
Andrew Rodgers said the new measures in the city centre posed no danger to the emergency services and should also lead to a drop in congestion and pollution.

Businessman Graham Royle had spoken out after seeing an ambulance forced to drive onto the ‘wrong’ side of Leopold Street, go round the bend into Barker’s Pool and continue against the flow of traffic.

Mr Royle said it could have caused a smash. And the new cycle routes in Sheffield, including an extensive system on Shalesmoor, would cause more congestion and pollution due to stationary traffic.

But Mr Rodgers, a regular cyclist and active travel campaigner, said the chances of a smash were very low due to the ambulance’s lights and sirens and oncoming traffic already going slowly because of a high number of pedestrians and a 20mph speed limit.

And the new measures should mean fewer accidents overall because they gave cyclists and pedestrians more protection.

He added: “Giving people the opportunity to travel safely without having to resort to their cars should result in a decline in congestion and pollution.

“We Sheffielders know all too well that we suffer from terrible air quality, of which motor traffic is a significant contributor. The damage of prioritising motor travel to the detriment of everything else is plain to see.

“The citizens of Sheffield should be demanding more of these trials and changes rather than pandering to fear of the unlikely.

“As a world class city, it is well within our wit and wisdom to make our city a cleaner, healthier, more friendly and welcoming place for all.�

The new Shalesmoor cycle route scheme, which uses a full driving lane in each direction on the A61 dual carriageway, is set to be removed by mid-September.

But the Leopold Street and Pinstone Street changes are due to stay until social distancing measures are lifted, Sheffield City Council says.

A spokeswoman said: “The changes to Leopold Street are temporary as part of the Government funded active travel scheme.

“The ambulance service is aware of temporary changes and we continue to speak with all emergency services, including Police and Fire and Rescue, regarding the city’s roads.

“This scheme has also been modified to act as an emergency vehicle lane, meaning all emergency vehicles can use this cycle lane in blue light situations.

“At this moment in time, no date has been set for changes to the existing set-up. Any permanent changes to roads will go through a full consultation process.�

https://www.thestar.co.uk/health/cor...culous-2919109