Sheffield Council want to implement cycling and walking improvements 'quickly'

The announcement comes as Transport Secretary Grant Shapps pledged £250m for emergency improvements to cycling and walking infrastructure during Saturday’s Downing Street press briefing.

In response to the announcement, councillor Bob Johnson, cabinet member for transport, said: “We have seen an explosion of cycling and walking in the lockdown and this is something that 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 which is why last week I announced a range of measures we want to look at to make our network better.”

The ideas put forward by Cllr Johnson, which the council are considering, include bringing forward planned road closures for low traffic neighbourhoods to help people walking and cycling, retiming pedestrian crossings to prioritise walkers and cyclists crossing busy roads, and using road space to provide emergency pedestrian areas near shops where people are struggling to keep two metres apart.

Cllr Johnson added: “As with all government announcements the devil will be in the detail, but we are finalising our plans as we speak and I hope to be able to implement something quickly so we can capitalise on the growing momentum for active travel through the city.”

Mr Shapps said even if the UK transport network was running at full capacity, social distancing rules would mean only one in 10 passengers could travel. Alternative travel options for commuters could, therefore, be key to helping people get back to work as the lockdown eases.

Cllr Johnson said each suggestion he has put forward to improve the city’s transport network for cycling and walking will be balanced against advice on public health.

Last week he said Sheffield has witnessed nearly an 80 per cent drop in traffic during lockdown.