New trail could open up north Sheffield for cyclists

Councillors say riding through the Upper Don Valley from the city centre to Stocksbridge and beyond is unattractive, disconnected and seen as unsafe by many cyclists.

Now plans are shaping up for the Upper Don Cycle Trail which would provide an attractive off-road cycle and walking link from Herries Road to Hillfoot Bridge in two phases.

Phase one will be from Herries Road to Wardsend Cemetery, creating a link from Southey and Owlerton to Hillsborough College and Penistone Road.

Phase two will be from Wardsend Cemetery to Hillfoot Bridge, connecting Kelham and Neepsend, Pitsmoor, the city centre, Hillsborough College and Penistone Road.

Coun Bob Johnson, Cabinet member for transport and development, said: “As a local councillor in Hillsborough I know the potential that there is for this scheme to open fantastic cycling and walking opportunities in our area, which will also run past the Wardsend Cemetery Heritage Park.

“Credit must go to the Friends of Wardsend Cemetery Group, who have played a crucial role in advocating for this scheme. Their vision for their area and determination to get the project moving has been fantastic.”

Currently the scheme is at the feasibility stage which means there still needs to be landscape and engineering designs, an ecological study, a planning application and cost estimates to support the outline business case. This is due to be completed in October.

It would be the completion of a first phase in the largest missing link in the long-distance National Cycle Route 267 and Upper Don Trail.

Stocksbridge councillor Julie Grocutt said: “The Upper Don Trail is a really important project for Stocksbridge to provide an opportunity for a cycle route into central Sheffield.

"We have fantastic green space and countryside in the area and with a project like this it will open up even further for people to use.

“We’ve seen a big appetite for cycling in Stocksbridge, with many people cycling over the summer, as well as the Tour de Yorkshire in recent years."

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