I was pleased to read in the June Voice that cycle lanes on Gloucester Road are back on the council’s agenda.
Proper cycle infrastructure along the A38 is long overdue, given that the St Pauls, Montpelier, St Andrews and Bishopston areas all have some of the highest rates of cycling of anywhere in England.
Cycle infrastructure is often fiercely opposed by people who perceive reallocations of road space as a challenge to the transport system’s status quo and the idea that people have some sort of unquestionable “right to drive”. But academic literature also points towards there being many people who are broadly supportive of active travel projects, but who are frustrated with the way such projects are implemented. Often, public support for policies which encourage people to use their cars less increases after these policies are implemented, and people can see that sustainable mobility has many benefits, and any negative effects weren’t as bad as people feared.
It’s important that people who are in favour of good quality, safe, cycle infrastructure stand up and be counted should the council come forward with any proposals. Supporters should join the Bristol Cycling Campaign, respond to consultations, send supportive messages to pro-active travel local politicians. And try to challenge any critical friends to think about the benefits of things like bike lanes (if you feel comfortable doing so). Shifting as many different journeys from driving to cycling can have benefits for those who drive by necessity, by reducing the number of other cars on the road.
Adam Crowther, the head of transport, says the council’s strategy will start with pinch-points, and that he doesn’t think there is enough space along the whole length of the road for segregated cycle lanes. I personally hope that the section between the Bearpit and Zetland Rd Junction can be segregated as much as possible (which would then link up with the Southmead Quietway). The northbound cycle lane on Stokes Croft almost always has parked cars in it (on double yellow lines!), necessitating weaving in and out of traffic, and the whole mess of junctions around The Arches needs complete remodelling in my opinion to make it safer for cyclists and pedestrians. Many of the peak-hour only bus lanes don’t actually seem to get used by buses, even in peak hours (I think because the bus lanes are quite narrow), and I think some of these lanes should be changed to be cycle lanes.
Whatever the final proposals turn out to be, anything that makes cycling along Gloucester Road safer is something to be excited about.
Oli, BS6 resident