Bikes could be allowed in pedestrian precincts

CYCLISTS could be permitted to ride on pedestrianised areas in Rotherham town centre, if plans drawn up by the council are agreed next week.

A report to be considered by cabinet member Gerald Smith says that, while there has been “significant investment” in cycle routes in Rotherham, some routes are limited and “much more investment” is needed to provide “more continuous, direct and attractive routes for cyclists who wish to access or cross the town centre.”

At present, the council officers’ report says, the pedestrianised streets within the town centre are a “significant barrier to cyclists.”

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They may also find it “uncomfortable and intimidating” to use roads around the town centre as many of these are very busy and carry lorries.

A review has therefore been carried out by council officers to determine which areas of the town centre could be “safely used by cyclists without unduly affecting the safety of pedestrians.”

Plans have now been drawn up which would involve cyclists being allowed to use pedestrianised areas such as Effingham Street, Howard Street, High Street, College Street and Bridgegate between 4pm and 10am each day.

The officers’ report says: “Allowing cyclists into the pedestrianised zone would bring a large number of accessibility benefits for cyclists, and help to promote cycling as a positive, healthy and cheaper mode of travel.

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“This is also essential to ensure the development of a continuous and direct cycle network and to compliment the investment along routes into the town centre from surrounding suburbs.”

At present, cycling is allowed on some pedestrianised streets in Sheffield 24 hours a day and, in Leeds and York, it is permitted at commuter times.

Investigations are also underway into the possibility of introducing continuous cross-town cycle routes - one to Clifton Park and one into Canklow.

The cost of the traffic regulation orders to make the necessary changes would cost at least £25,000, according to the report.

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The officers add: “Objections to the proposal to permit cycling in the pedestrianised zone may be received.

“Access for cyclists would be restricted to those times during which vehicle access is permitted, when the pedestrianised zone is lightly used by pedestrians, and this should not cause an unacceptable risk to partially-sighted pedestrians. “

At next Monday’s meeting of the cabinet member for town centres, economic growth and prosperity, Coun Gerald Smith has been advised to give the go-ahead for the relevant traffic regulation orders to be made to permit cycling in the pedestrianised areas.