News: Council explains new Rotherham active travel scheme
Four hundred metres of advisory cycle lanes on Westgate have been completed to help extend the existing cycle route from the Sheffield boundary near the Magna Science Adventure Centre, through to Rotherham town centre.
Rotherham Council says that it "was working well."
To support affordable and environmentally friendly travel, £9.74m, including money from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund, was secured for the Sheffield Road Cycleways as part of wider regeneration bringing improved transport links, more jobs and better housing to the town centre and Templeborough.
Delivered by ESH Group, phase 3 is focused on improved conditions for walking and cycling between Westgate and the A6178 Sheffield Road where the council has begun fulfilling its ambition of increasing the residential units in the area.
The new cycle lanes are not mandatory and instead indicate to drivers the distance they should leave when passing cyclists. Motorists in both directions use a single carriageway down the middle of the road, moving into the advisory cycle lanes when passing vehicles approaching in the opposite direction.
The scheme also brings enhanced features for pedestrians such as new paving and better bus stops and improved provision for businesses with easier customer parking and loading. A 20mph speed limit was part of the plans.
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A spokesperson for Rotherham Council said: "The layout was developed to provide cycling infrastructure proportionate to volume of traffic with reference to national guidelines, whilst prioritising space for walking and maintaining access to businesses, which were highlighted to us during scheme development as priorities for Ward Members and the local community.
"Whilst new to Rotherham, the layout has formed part of Department for Transport design guidance since at least 2008, and successful similar schemes have been in place in the UK for as long as two decades. Observations undertaken to date indicate the layout was working well (notwithstanding an increase in traffic associated with displacement from the ongoing Centenary Way viaduct works).
"The scheme will be monitored post implementation, including being subject to a Stage 3 Road Safety Audit. The latter audit has been commissioned and we expect to receive the audit report within weeks."
The works were also raised at a recent council meeting.
Cllr. Robert Taylor, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy, said: "The scheme has been designed with reference to relevant guidance and underlying research; and there was very good forward visibility throughout for the design speed and speed limit.
"The layout implemented has been an option allowed for by Department for Transport guidelines since at least 2008, with such layouts having existed on the ground for at least two decades – it was not an experimental or innovative layout.
"If people could not drive safely down a road then it would be a matter for those involved and relevant agencies to determine liability between them – the Council would not be liable as it had complied with the design regulations and codes."
Rothbiz reported in 2023 that initial proposals, including new traffic management measures to deter people driving through the town centre, had been scrapped. Rotherham Council's u-turn came after designs to reduce traffic on Westgate "received significant local opposition."
RMBC website
Images: Tom Austen
Rotherham Council says that it "was working well."
To support affordable and environmentally friendly travel, £9.74m, including money from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund, was secured for the Sheffield Road Cycleways as part of wider regeneration bringing improved transport links, more jobs and better housing to the town centre and Templeborough.
Delivered by ESH Group, phase 3 is focused on improved conditions for walking and cycling between Westgate and the A6178 Sheffield Road where the council has begun fulfilling its ambition of increasing the residential units in the area.
The new cycle lanes are not mandatory and instead indicate to drivers the distance they should leave when passing cyclists. Motorists in both directions use a single carriageway down the middle of the road, moving into the advisory cycle lanes when passing vehicles approaching in the opposite direction.
The scheme also brings enhanced features for pedestrians such as new paving and better bus stops and improved provision for businesses with easier customer parking and loading. A 20mph speed limit was part of the plans.
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A spokesperson for Rotherham Council said: "The layout was developed to provide cycling infrastructure proportionate to volume of traffic with reference to national guidelines, whilst prioritising space for walking and maintaining access to businesses, which were highlighted to us during scheme development as priorities for Ward Members and the local community.
"Whilst new to Rotherham, the layout has formed part of Department for Transport design guidance since at least 2008, and successful similar schemes have been in place in the UK for as long as two decades. Observations undertaken to date indicate the layout was working well (notwithstanding an increase in traffic associated with displacement from the ongoing Centenary Way viaduct works).
"The scheme will be monitored post implementation, including being subject to a Stage 3 Road Safety Audit. The latter audit has been commissioned and we expect to receive the audit report within weeks."
Cllr. Robert Taylor, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy, said: "The scheme has been designed with reference to relevant guidance and underlying research; and there was very good forward visibility throughout for the design speed and speed limit.
"The layout implemented has been an option allowed for by Department for Transport guidelines since at least 2008, with such layouts having existed on the ground for at least two decades – it was not an experimental or innovative layout.
"If people could not drive safely down a road then it would be a matter for those involved and relevant agencies to determine liability between them – the Council would not be liable as it had complied with the design regulations and codes."
Rothbiz reported in 2023 that initial proposals, including new traffic management measures to deter people driving through the town centre, had been scrapped. Rotherham Council's u-turn came after designs to reduce traffic on Westgate "received significant local opposition."
RMBC website
Images: Tom Austen
57 comments:
I haven't driven down it yet but I've spoken to several people who thought it'd been made into a one way street and they were going the wrong way. Apparently it's confusing and not clear from the signage.
I agree with those observations. It is a confusing scheme I had no idea until reading the article that the cycle lanes were optional. The signage on Westgate does seem to suggest otherwise.
Another one of Cllr Read's "carrots and sticks?" (From memory, at least, I think that was the justification for the Broom Rd "improvements".
It's pretty straight-forwards - cyclists stick to the cycle lanes & car drivers stick to the roadway - unless another car is coming towards you, then you should move out of the way!
We're into a 'chicken & eggs' situation - the more cycle lane we build, the more cyclists will use them and the less cars will be on the roads - leaving more room for essential car journeys. What's wrong with that?
Agree. It's only confusing to those drivers who don't read traffic signs. Perfectly clear what the requirements are as explained by previous post. Some people just want something to complain about.
"Whats wrong with that?" The hypocritical councilors don't use it but expect everyone else to stop using cars and follow ideals.
Well I can tell you for a fact that hypocritical councillors do use it.
Broom improvements are really great and I think the Westgate ones will prove just as good. Well done Rotherham Council.
Too many Moaning Minnie's on here.
It's perfectly clear.
It would be great if the cycle lane could be extended all the way to Doncaster.
Like I said, I haven’t driven down it, but if many people are finding it confusing then it obviously isn’t perfectly clear. Well done you though for working it out, have a round of applause.
That would make my life a lot easier as I cycle to Doncaster every day
This issue is that it is a very unfamiliar layout, and entering it for the first time feels unnatural to the eye. Of course, signage is there, but this is the only signage you would see sometimes. My concern is the council have backed their decision based on the approval of this design by the DFT, but this design has yet to be applied anywhere I'm aware off., and if the design were to cause an RTC, the design isn't at fault. Although they are requesting traffic to travel head-on with the expectation of moving over. Sounds to me like another smart motorway.
Totally agree. It’s not a layout I’ve ever seen anywhere else and I do a lot of driving all over the country, it’s bound to cause some confusion at first.
When the businesses warned the Council about the impact of the plans on them, I was really pleased to see that they had listened. I was less pleased to see that instead of accepting those findings, they still chose to mess about with the road infrastructure.
I don't understand the anti-motorist agenda being pushed by the council. Barnsley and Doncaster have made their centres very accessible to all types of vehicles. Why isn't Rotherham doing the same? We need people coming into town, regardless as to how they do it, rather than creating yet more reasons to avoid the place.
Interestingly, Middleborough has just committed to removing its bike lanes. Perhaps there's a bit of hope for Rotherham yet!
Here's a link to the story https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c903z8dn1y0o
So your hope for Rotherham is that we follow in the footsteps of Middlesborough? What an ambitious person you are.
Understanding the difference between advisory and mandatory cycle lanes is not rocket science and could be easily understood by the average 10 year old. Perhaps we should lower the age at which people can legally drive.
Quite happy for a public Council meeting where councillors publicly state if they cycle to meetings and everyday events. Put it on public record and be accountable, not heresy.
What’s your ambition then? To be able to cycle into town? Whoopee
Well I must admit that at first I found it a bit confusing. But then my granddaughter who is at Wickersley Northfield Juniors explained it to me and now I am OK with it.
As a motorist who uses a car for conducting daily business activities I am embarrassed by all the anti cycle and anti cycle route comment on this and other sites. Roads should be used responsibly and respectfully by all of us. It makes absolute sense to encourage none essential drivers to use greener forms of travel including cycling. We should embrace this initiative rather than greet it with negativity.
I totally agree with this comment.
It's that one day I won't see any moronic posts like this on this site.
That’s easily achieved, stop posting them then.
Tell us what your issue is young man. Are you upset because they haven't built you a special lane for tricycles?
Nice to see a post with a bit of perspective. Of all the things it is possible to demonise, cycle lanes are a bizarre choice.
You big fibber. I ride a bicycle with stabilisers. So there, pants on fire!
Anyway why single out the absence of cycles in a cycle lane for special attention?
Anyone seen any witches on Broom Lane?
Only the mother in law
Out of interest, do any posters on here use the new cycle lanes?
Yes, I use them regularly, thank you.
Me anall
And I think I've seen soft lad on his trike going to school.
Why don’t I believe either of you?
Was his mum with him?
Encourage "none essential drivers" maybe you should look at your car use and try and minimise the impact you're having.
Because you are a Doubting Thomas
Yes, she was following on a skateboard.
Shell have been going for her pension
Unauthorised use of cycle lanes should be discouraged as it distracts motorists.
Yes, as do road signs giving cycle lane instructions.
Well, I definitely don't think that people on skate boards, roller blades or horses should be allowed in cycle lanes unless accompanied by an adult and road signs make it clear that this is allowed
What have you got against horses?
The cycle lane should be available to mobility scooter drivers on designated days providing they pass a motoring test or are carrying at least one qualified driver.
Nothing, why would you even think that?
Is there more than one person commenting posting all this garbage or are just having a weird conversation with yourself?
Mobility scooter lanes! Now that is a good idea. They would certainly be busier than cycle lanes. The only problem I can forsee is congestion when the lanes go by a pub.
No, we are happy to include your garbage as well.
There should also be secure parking spaces for mobility scooters with charging points and valeting service.
Don't flatter yourself love, my posts are all gold and you know it.
More accurately your posts have been rolled in glitter, but the content remains aromatic.
Mobility scooters are a fantastic invention for disabled people. Obesity scooters are not.
Weird that the councillor states upfront that the council would not be liable for any accidents, it's like he knows its one waiting to happen.
And just as weird must be Tesco making it clear that they are not responsible for any theft or damage in their car park.
Tesco's aren't responsible for theft from your car, I think you'll find the council are responsible for the roads its stupid idea and will lead to accidents.
Yes, Wellgate cycle route is fantastic. Maybe not so good for customer parking, as it is has cars parked on it daily which is frustrating.
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