Lockdown surge in walkers and cyclists and prompts council to change Sheffield's layout

Ideas include more planned road closures, keeping the green man on for longer at pedestrian crossings, creating temporary active travel lanes, providing extra passing areas on pavements where people are waiting to get into shops and marking out two-metre guidelines at busy bus stops and crossings

Coun Bob Johnson, cabinet member for transport, said: “We have seen an explosion of cycling and walking in the lockdown and this is something people want to be able to continue to do after this is over.

“That’s why making the changes we need to make it attractive for more people to walk and cycle is really important.

“At the minute, our transport network is too geared towards the needs of cars.

“I hope to be able to implement something quickly so we can capitalise on the growing momentum for active travel through the city.”

Coun Ian Auckland, a Liberal Democrat, said he had a number of ideas for his Graves Park ward, including a better and safer footpath alongside Norton Lane, from School Lane to Norton Water Tower.

He also suggested some of the parking bays at Woodseats could be given over to pedestrians to ensure social distancing while customers wait outside.

Coun Auckland, shadow cabinet member for transport, said: "There is a clear need to tip the balance in favour of walking, cycling and public transport, which would produce clear health benefits and contribute to tackling the climate emergency.

“As well as enabling better travel options, this will need to consider measures to actively discourage needless travel by private vehicles.

“At the moment bus passengers have fallen by 90 per cent and tram passengers by 92 per cent.

“Quite how things will evolve post Covid-19 is unknown.

“Working from home and flexible working are likely welcome developments reversing the overall increase in commuting, but a revival and renewal of public transport will still be vital.”

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