Sheffield cabinet member promises to 'review' controversial temporary cycle lanes amid traffic concerns

Cabinet Member for Transport and Sustainability at Sheffield City Council Bob Johnson has issued a statement promising to review the temporary cycle lane on the A61 Shalesmoor.

The busy Sheffield road was temporarily reduced to one lane for motor vehicles between the Shalesmoor roundabout and the Corporation Street roundabout on Sunday, July 5.

The council’s decision to create more temporary cycle lanes in response to the increase in physical activity during the coronavirus lockdown has attracted criticism from businesses and motorists who are concerned about a build-up of traffic.

An ambulance was also filmed stuck in traffic on the A61 on Tuesday, July 7.

Cabinet Member for Transport and Sustainability Bob Johnson said: “The Council is committed to enhancing walking and cycling as a means of reducing congestion, improving air quality, increasing physical activity and creating attractive places.

"Covid-19 presented an opportunity to trial pedestrianisation and dedicated cycle lanes in a number of areas around the city and, whilst early days, a number of these such a Pinstone Street are already proving popular and successful.

“The Covid-19 pandemic and Government funding for temporary transport measures enabled us to trial a temporary scheme on Shalesmoor, which went live this week.

"We understand the ring road is critically important for vehicles, in to and around the city and dedicated cycle lanes in this area is something that has long been called for by active travel groups.

“We have listened to feedback, and we are carefully reviewing the impact of the scheme, making a number of changes in response to concerns from some residents and businesses.

"It is important that we continue to work with relevant groups and those affected by the changes so that we can make informed decisions about future active travel measures.

"We will continue to monitor the impact of these temporary measures and if, once the full impact is known, they are not considered to be delivering the scale of benefits that justify the disruption to the ring road, then a decision will be taken on the appropriate time to withdraw this temporary scheme.”

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