Sheffield cycling: Readers raise two major concerns over two-way cycling 'super-route'
Readers have raised two issues as contractors prepare to install another bike lane in Sheffield.
A two-way, segregated ‘super route’ is set to take out one lane of traffic on Arundel Gate, linking to new cycle infrastructure on Charles and Surrey streets.
It is part of a drive for ‘active travel’ which has seen £27m spent on schemes across the city, according to the city council in September. The authority is also planning a £9m e-bike hire scheme next year.
Its City Centre Access and Movement Plan states the aim is to cut city centre traffic by up to a fifth over the next 15 years.
Responding on The Star’s Facebook page, many readers alleged there were not enough cyclists to justify the expense.
Daren Gray said: “Where's all these cyclists? I've only seen three!”
Nicky Stott: “It's like Amsterdam in Sheffield. If no-one in Amsterdam had a bike.”
Justin Ward joked: “After that, work will start on finding some cyclists.”
Gordon Stanbra was sardonic.
“This will be great for older people who have worked in heavy industry for 10 hours a day and are suffering from related health issues,” he said.
“We will now be able to cycle ourselves fit again up and down the hills of Sheffield with five litres of emulsion in one hand and a bag of spuds in the other.”
Norrie McNamara thought travel priorities were wrong.
He said: “Support the cars and fill in the potholes first.”
But Nik Smith posted in support of the scheme.
“It’s amazing that people can’t understand that better cycling infrastructure will lead to fewer cars on the road and healthier air.
“What is the obsession with a few million spent on a cycle lane when most car users are one to a car, roads cost billions per year, with multiple road deaths and polluted air?”
The other big issue, raised by many readers, was the city council’s financial situation.
Only this week, The Star reported it was projected to go £23.6 million over budget in the coming months.
But Marcus Spedding pointed out the money for cycling infrastructure was from national government, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and contributions from developers.
New bike lanes have been installed or are planned In areas including Nether Edge, Attercliffe, Kelham Island, Townhead, Tenter, Cambridge and Castle streets as well as the famous Dutch roundabout at West Bar.
The council’s £27m spending figure includes those still in development, on site and finished, and covers drainage and planting to reduce the risk of flooding.