News / Transport

Nelson Street contraflow cycle lane finally reopens

By Betty Woolerton  Thursday Jan 18, 2024

A contraflow cycle lane in the city centre that was once slammed as an “unsafe bodge” has reopened.

The route connecting Nelson Street to Quay Street was first finished more than 18 months then closed just over a week later after.

When it was opened back in June 2022, it was beset with problems and widely criticised, with work appearing unfinished and a shared section for cyclists and pedestrians also acting as a layby.

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Now the route appears to be in working order with the layby removed and fencing stretching from The Lanes to St John on the Wall church taken down.

The cycleway is also more clearly differentiated from the footway, hopefully stopping pedestrians from inadvertently wandering into it.

The contraflow cycle lane connecting the fountains to Broadmead is now complete

Sharing the news on social media, mayor Marvin Rees said: “Great to see completed public realm and active travel improvements along Nelson Street.

“This is alongside wheeling, walking, and cycling improvements at Muller Rd, Bristol Bridge, Park Row, Old Market Gap, and Cotham Hill.

“The final barriers will go over coming days.”

The opening of Nelson Street’s cycle lane comes as Bristol City Council recently confirmed that work to improve travel safety for walking, wheeling, and cycling along Park Row, Perry Road, Upper Maudlin Street and Colston Street will begin in March and be completed by early 2025.

Main photo: Betty Woolerton

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