News / cycling
Family cycle loop could spur traffic-calming measures
New traffic-calming measures could be introduced to Bristol streets under revisited plans for a family cycle loop.
The loop, which would aim to create a low-traffic bike trail around the Downs, was proposed to the Downs Committee on Monday.
Unlike the previous iteration of the plan, this one would see traffic-calming measures installed on Circular Road and Ladies Mile.
Originally, the loop was meant to stick mainly to existing and new paths across the Downs themselves, with only a brief foray onto Circular Road.
However, due to the cost of creating these new paths and likely opposition to them, organiser Bristol Cycling Campaign now plans to use more roads instead.
Ladies Mile often sees speeding cars
The traffic-calming measures it wants to introduce include a one-way system on a section of Ladies Mile and a 20mph zone on both Ladies Mile and Circular Road.
Ladies Mile is a long, fairly straight road that often sees speeding.
Explaining the aim of the cycling loop, chair Ian Pond said: “There’s lots of talk about cycling inactivity, but lots of families are concerned about the idea of cycling with their children.”
He hopes providing a low-traffic route will encourage parents to take their children out for a ride on the Downs.
Pond acknowledged that there may be backlash, but said: “If you want to go to those roads or park on them, all those roads (will still be) open. It’s just you have to go a slightly different route.”
Existing traffic calming schemes have met sustained opposition from locals who resent the extra journey times, difficulty of access for ambulances and added obstacles to those with reduced mobility.
Protesters against East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood recently forced contractors to postpone the installation of a new bus gate by occupying the road so workers couldn’t do their jobs.
The Downs Committee, which manages the area but is not a part of Bristol City Council, unanimously supported the cycling loop and traffic calming proposals.
However, the body does not have the authority to introduce the road changes, nor the money to fund any new paths.
Instead, Pond and the Bristol Cycling Campaign will have to go to the council to request the changes, with a public consultation likely if the proposal moves ahead.
All photos: Molly Pipe
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