Cumbria County Council will begin improvements for cyclists in the city centre from Monday 14 September.
These improvements will help those who are currently choosing more active travel options such as cycling and walking to continue to do so safely, and hopefully will encourage more people to join them.
The improvements are being funded as part of the Government’s Emergency Active Travel Fund which is a fund designed to support local highway authorities make improvements that encourage more cycling and walking.
Maintenance work to refresh existing markings in the area will start today and from Monday 14 September people will start to see space being reallocated to cyclists on English Street, Devonshire Street and Victoria Viaduct. These changes will help cyclists feel safer and more confident around these busy junctions.
Also included in the work are a number of bicycle stands which will be installed outside the Nisi Prius building on English Street. This location has been chosen due to its close proximity to the train station so will aid those visitors travelling by train with their bikes but also for local shoppers and regular commuters to use.
The enhancements on English Street will also see the use of temporary bollards to widen the pavement and create more space, particularly important outside shops and bus stops. This additional space will help the public with current social distancing guidelines in busy areas where people gather such at pedestrian crossing points.
Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport said: “It is hoped that these changes will help embed altered behaviours and will promote more walking and cycling for short journeys, which will help keep people healthy and to reduce carbon emissions. All of the works will be carried out overnight to keep disruption to an absolute minimum and we apologise in advance for any inconvenience that this work may cause.”
Access to the three disabled parking bays outside Natwest Bank at the top of the pedestrianised area of English Street will be temporarily removed to make more space for pedestrians to safely move around, socially distance and queue to access the banks and shops in this area.
Access for deliveries will be maintained and permitted for businesses operating on English Street, Blackfriars Street, Victoria Viaduct and Devonshire Street.
