Pedestrian zone could be opened to cyclists

Council chiefs in Rotherham are carrying out a consultation with the public and businesses on plans to provide a continuous route for bikes across the town centre.

In a report, the pedestrianised streets in the town centre were described as “a significant barrier” to cyclists.

Although there are a number of roads that cyclists can use to travel around the centre, many, among them the A630 Centenary Way, carry large volumes of traffic.

This compares with the town centre, where streets have been designed for vehicle access, to accommodate loading and unloading, despite being pedestrianised.

Coun Gerald Smith, Cabinet member for regeneration and development, said that over the years, there had been significant investment in improving routes for cyclists in the area but the pedestrianised areas prevented cyclists from legally riding through.

He added: “Allowing cyclists to legally enter into the pedestrianised zone would make it a lot easier for the increasing number of cyclists on the borough’s roads and it would continue our long-term investment in promoting cycling as a positive, healthy and cheaper mode of travel compared to private vehicles and public transport,” he said.

“Over recent years we have improved routes and facilities for cyclists, for example along Doncaster Road in East Dene, Wellgate, Masbrough, Moorgate and Templebrough.

“Allowing cyclists to use pedestrian streets in town centres is not a new idea – it has already been adopted by a number of towns and cities throughout England, including Sheffield, Newcastle and Nottingham, and studies have also revealed that accidents between pedestrians and cyclists are very rare.”

A consultation closes on August 16.