Plans for improvements to a busy Nottingham road for cyclists have been welcomed by people in the area. Nottingham City Council has explained St Ann’s Well Road has been identified as a priority route for a new 'cycling corridor', as it serves the north and east of the city where cycling provision is "currently lacking compared to other areas".
Improvements for cyclists along St Ann’s Well Road were made during the Covid pandemic after a significant rise in the number of cycling journeys. The scheme aims to build on this by making a number of improvements, including a new dedicated cycle lane to enable safer cycling, the re-alignment of junctions and the upgrade of traffic calming features to reduce vehicle speeds.
Locals had a generally positive reaction to the proposals, which are currently undergoing consultation. Paul Ross, 48, who lives just off St Ann's Well Road and frequently cycles down the road, said the improvements were urgently needed.
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"The cycle lane at the minute is interrupted by the junctions and the parking [near to the police station] which means you have to swerve into the middle of the road," Mr Ross said.
"I have seen a lot of people nearly knocked over by drivers in a rush. At the moment it can be quite dangerous for cyclists - the lanes they put in during Covid were good but more improvements would be great."
John Brown, 82, who lives in St Ann's, said: "I think that's a good idea. They put the bike lane here but anything else would be useful."
It is hoped the plan will contribute to improving air quality and meeting Nottingham’s 2028 Carbon Neutral objective. Another St Ann's local resident, who did not want to be named, said: "I don't see a problem with it. You do see quite a lot of cyclists on this road so maybe it would help keep them safe."
The council has said it wants to hear from St Ann’s residents and those who commute through the area, including by bike. Detailed plans can be seen on the Transport Nottingham website and residents are asked to email or post their comments by May 10.
A public event will also be held on Wednesday, April 19 from 2-5pm in the Conference Room at St Ann’s Library, where people can view the plans in person and discuss the proposals. Chris Carter, Head of Transport Strategy at Nottingham City Council, said: “As part of our ambition that Nottingham people make healthier, more sustainable travel choices, it is our responsibility to enable those choices by making our streets safer and more friendly spaces for walking and cycling.
“I hope to see many local people taking part in this consultation before it closes on May 10, and that the team gets a good turnout to the consultation event on April 19 at St Ann’s Library."
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