Sheffield cycling : New bike lane on pedestrianised Fargate raises three big issues among readers
A new bike lane on Fargate has seen three main issues dominating debate.
A dedicated cycle lane was installed on one of Sheffield’s most important streets in a revamp which ended in spring. A sign states it is now a ‘pedestrian and cycle zone’.
The Star published a video of a cyclist using the new route which shows shoppers crossing the cycle path without looking.
More than 600 people commented, with three issues coming up again and again.
Daniel Teng said: “No floor signs to show its bike lane, so everyone is just walking on it.”
Katie Booth agreed.
“Everyone has always walked down the middle, it gets too busy round the shops as far back as I remember that has been the way people have done it, don’t know if there’s signs anywhere but they could do with putting some on the ground to make people more aware,” she said.
Claire Newman was one of many to comment on the width of the bike lane.
“Why is the cycle lane twice the size of the pedestrian walkway when, looking at that, the pedestrians vastly outnumber the cyclists?
“In fact the only cyclists I ever see are food delivery drivers.”
Irfan Rizvi had a similar view.
“Is there actually any space for pedestrians? Half for the bike lane, then some shrubbery and finally a catwalk for the non cyclists?”
Speed was also discussed.
Some e-bikes have been seen racing up Fargate. But in the video the cyclist travels slowly and gives pedestrians plenty of space.
Alex Lamb noticed this.
He said: “Great, you didn't have to use your bell once.”