A new set up for cyclists will be introduced in the city centre in September when the current trial comes to an end. This will be a conventional one-way layout not alongside the kerb but sitting in between two lanes of traffic. This means that there will again be two lanes of traffic on each side of George Street as before, with a central one-way cycle lane.
The alternative of a kerbside cycle lane has been discounted as ‘less preferred’ as it would not provide an ‘unbroken and visible’ cycle lane. The Council set up a trial in George Street last September with a temporary two-way cycle lane, a one-way system for other traffic heading east, pedestrianised areas and outdoor seating areas for some of the restaurants.
Most people have agreed that the outdoor seating ‘tents’ have not been a success and they are set to be removed (indeed some have already been removed) when the trial period ends at the end of the Festival. Previous arrangements such as this were trialled over the Festival and were deemed a success but it seems few people want to sit outside during the winter months.
Now that the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) is coming to an end the council has to decide whether to keep any elements of it, and they have decided that while the street will revert to two way traffic with parking along the central reservation they will retain a cycle lane here.
Traffic Regulation Orders take over a year to implement so the ‘new’ design will be covered by a temporary measure.
The council aims to bring George Street to life recognising its importance as a place to work, socialise and shop.
The measures will be decided upon at next week’s Transport and Environment Committee.
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