Sheffield City Councils plans are now underway for a series of new walking and cycling routes in the Nether Edge area.
As part of the Connecting Sheffield project, the routes have been planned to span from Nether Edge to the City Centre and work will begin after 8 April, when consultation ends. The changes will be funded by the Transforming Cities Fund.
“The plans for Nether Edge into the City Centre are an exciting development in our journey to creating better routes for walking and cycling. The changes we are making are necessary for the future of travel in the city, not just for us but for our children,” said Councillor Julie Grocutt, Cabinet Member for Transport and Development at Sheffield City Council.
Creative Commons Licence – Tim Dennell
The aim of the new routes is to pedestrianize the area. New cycling and walking routes will pass between Nether Edge and Broomhall, providing access straight to the city centre with a focus on increasing sustainable accessibility to the universities.
Plans have also been included for the street running next to the Porter Croft Primary School. This will see a reduction in traffic, which will be restricted to designated school pick-up and drop-off points. The change is designed to make the street less polluted and safer for people who walk or cycle to the school.
The Transforming Cities fund is a government initiative which seeks to increase sustainability in British cities through reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and helping people to live healthier lifestyles.
The council have also consulted with local Sheffield residents.
Creative Commons – Richard Copley
“We’ve had lots of comments on our interactive map about cycling and walking on Wostenholme Road and Washington Street, especially from cyclists who don’t feel safe in peak time traffic.
“Segregation here will provide a far more appealing route for cycling and leaves the footways for pedestrians who will also benefit from not being so close to traffic fumes,” said Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner for the Sheffield City Region.
When the decisions have been finalised, the consultation will be published on the Connecting Sheffield website.
