Dodds cycleway and Thorpe Road area press release

Date: 15 September 2008

Contact information: Geraldine Walker, cyclesay@yahoo.co.uk

Subject: CycleSay call for better cycle provision

CycleSay is calling for better cycle provision at two locations that Peterborough City Council is considering next week at a board meeting on the 23 September.  The Council is considering making changes to the Dodds cycleway, running from the city centre to Gunthorpe and around the Thorpe Road area. 

CycleSay has learned that Peterborough City Council only plan to make minor signage changes this year to complete the Dodds cycleway and have not yet decided anything for the Thorpe Road area that they are considering.

The Dodds cycleway is part of the primary cycle network for the city.  It starts in the city centre and goes along Park Road, Dogsthorpe Road, Welland Road and then cuts under the A47 to Paston and Gunthorpe.  CycleSay thinks the Dodds cycleway needs improvements at Burghley Road roundabout, Park Road, Dogsthorpe Road, Welland Road, and at Bluebell Avenue. 

Burghley Road roundabout is very unfriendly for cyclists and pedestrians and CycleSay would like to see some improvements made to make it easier for both to use.  The cycle lanes along Park Road, Dogsthorpe Road, and Welland Road are worn and need repainting. 

Bluebell Avenue has far too many barriers where the cycle route crosses the road at this point.  The road here is blocked to traffic, and cyclists and pedestrians are meant to cross without the worry of motor vehicles.  This would be very good except that pedestrian barriers have been installed at both ends of the cycleway, making it difficult for cyclists to have clear passage.  There is not a need for the barriers here and CycleSay are disappointed that this was not changed last year when the Council treated the route.  CycleSay has also learned that the Council recently commissioned guidance that expressly denounces inappropriate barriers.

In the Thorpe Road area, the Crescent Bridge and the cycle route from the A15 underpass to Mayors Walk are dangerous for cyclists unless they break the law or dice with their life.  Both bridges desperately need better cycle facilities.  The bridges have in excess of 600 cyclists a day and are clearly well used.  CycleSay wants the Council to widen the footpath over Crescent Bridge and to see a toucan installed at Mayor’s Walk to allow cyclists to cross on to the road.

CycleSay believes it is remarkable that so many cyclists are using these two bridges, despite the dangers of doing so.  It shows the importance of these key routes into central Peterborough.  It is likely that improvements at these bridges would get many more people cycling to town, perhaps people who at present are not willing to risk their safety in the traffic.

CycleSay have contacted the Council with their requests and hope to see some changes in the near future.  CycleSay hopes that the Council is serious about increasing cycling in Peterborough and its desire to see the city become the Environment capital.

More cycling means less traffic on the roads and thus greater safety for all pedestrians, cyclists and drivers, and of course those that cycle will be fitter, healthier people.

CycleSay is a lobby group for Peterborough cyclists and if you would like to join or leave comments on their website’s forum page visit www.cyclesay.org.uk .