News / Extinction Rebellion
Call for council to create wider pavements and expanded cycle lanes
Protesters have tried to demonstrate how difficult it will be to commute to work safely by walking, cycling or running on the current width of Bristol’s pavements and cycle lanes.
A group of Extinction Rebellion members cycled through the city on Monday, keeping an allocated social-distance from near the end of the M32 to Cabot Circus and on to the Bearpit.
The group has called on Bristol City Council to create wider pavements and expanded cycle lanes to allow for safe commuting after the end of lockdown.
David Angel, from Easton, said that the city council “needs to act urgently” to make the most of an expected package of funding for walking and cycling recently announced by transport minister Grant Shapps.
He said: “The prime minister has exhorted more of the public to cycle or walk to work. But this is impossible if streets are not safe.
“Bristol City Council needs to make sure people can travel safely. This is especially important for people who will be new to cycling.”
A rare example of a footpath, segregated cycle lane and road in Bristol – photo by Martin Booth
Milan has brought forward plans for 70km of new cycle lanes to be created along with the expansion of pedestrian areas, while Leeds City Council have announced that some pavements and cycle lanes will be widened to help with social-distancing as coronavirus restrictions begin to ease.
Bristol City Council is currently seeking views on a new proposal to pedestrianise the Old City.
The council wants to make the area pedestrian-friendly by restricting vehicles in order to encourage walking and cycling, reduce air pollution, and make more street space available for commercial and cultural activities.
Main photo: Simon Holliday
Read more: 10 Bristol roads where improvements to walking and cycling could easily be made
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