Newark riding group and Newark Sustrans volunteers suggest new ideas to Nottinghamshire County Council to encourage more cyclists
Cycling enthusiasts are campaigning for route improvements after the government encouraged residents to walk and cycle more.
Mike Graham, secretary of Newark riding group, alongside Tony Eyres, chairman of Newark riding group and joint co-ordinator for Newark Sustrans volunteers, have set out seven areas that could be improved in the Newark area. They have been sent to Nottinghamshire County Council.
Their development ideas followed speculation of government funding being made available.
“One of the reasons often given for not cycling and walking more is a fear that it is not safe due to a lack of dedicated or cycle-friendly routes,” said Mike.
“In our own area we have seen massive increases in usage when dedicated routes have been provided.
“Our members have much experience leading group rides and are well aware that while there are many good cycle facilities in the town, they nearly all stop short of the town centre, making cross-town journeys difficult, especially for new or inexperienced riders.
“While it would be possible to make many suggestions for new or improved facilities, we understand that there are some funds available for immediate and possibly temporary measures.
“We believe any of the following could be implemented quickly and relatively cheaply, and although we would not expect to see all of them implemented, they could form a basis for on-going works.”
- l Brunel Drive — the footway between the roundabout at the junction with Jessop Way and the spur leading past Keltruck’s premises is wide enough to be upgraded to a shared-use facility.
- Improvements to the roundabout, possibly including peripheral tracks for cyclists, would also help.
- l Millgate — a southbound contra-flow cycle path from Mill Bank to connect with the riverside path.
- l Wilson Street — a contra-flow cycle lane would provide a connection from King’s Road to Market Place.
- l Northern Road — the red surfacing near the NSK works and leading to Beacon Hill Road has deteriorated badly and needs re-surfacing
- l Northern Road-Beacon Hill Road junction — it is often not clear from the kerbside what colour the traffic lights are so can be difficult to determine if it is safe to cross. Pedestrian/cycle repeater lights would remove the uncertainty.
- l A617 Keham to Averham — the path along its western side could easily be widened for dual-use.
- l Millennium Bridge — the wooden decking on the ramps is slippery when wet. Re-surfacing would make it safer for cyclists.