An Olympic-themed protest will take place this morning, with residents cheering ‘athletes’ who make it across a road in Montpelier they say is too dangerous for pedestrians.
Protesters say the existing crossing on Ashley Hill is unsuitable and any user with a bike, buggy, scooter, or dog is at risk.
To make the point, an Olympic Torch will be carried across the road with the aim of getting crowds to cheer each time a pedestrian makes it from one side to the other.
The Ashley Hill Railway Bridge Crossing Campaign has collected more than 1,000 signatures from users of this public right of way to demand a safe passage across the road.
Bristol City Council executive member for transport Tim Kent will be there to receive the petition.
Local Green Party councillor Gus Hoyt said: “This has been a dangerous crossing for a long time and I’ve had many discussions with council officers in the past. I’m glad that so many local residents have made such a stir. We, on the council, will have to act.”
Cllr Jon Rogers added that action to improve this crossing was “long overdue”. He said the Cabinet had identified an extra £2m to support small highways schemes.
“It is hard to imagine a more deserving case,” he said.
