After a series of unexpected delays, a famed Dutch-style roundabout on West Bar opened earlier this week.
The roundabout was due to open in late October, but after facing a number of delays, was pushed back to Monday.
It contains additional cycle lanes and pedestrian crossings to give them priority, but motorists believe it will cause confusion and more accidents.
Rebecca Hammond, a cycling instructor and pharmacist, uses the roundabout frequently.
She said she felt it filled a gap in the infrastructure. She said: “The old roundabout had poor sight lines that made it difficult for drivers entering the roundabout from some directions. The new design helps with that, and will also improve safety for cyclists too.”
Ben McGarry, Chair of the Kelham Island and Neepsend Community Alliance (KINCA), said: “I think it’s going to be a big success … it’s great to go across if you’re a pedestrian, because it’s all zebra crossings, and you don’t have to wait for grumpy drivers.”
The roundabout is meant to make it easier for people to cycle and walk from the city center across to Tenter Street and Kelham/Neepsend.
This brand new Dutch-style roundabout has opened, here's how it works… pic.twitter.com/0RoD3zNEdK
— BBC Sheffield (@BBCSheffield) December 9, 2024
Many cyclists feel that cycling infrastructure in Sheffield needs a big upgrade, especially due to the hills and upward climbs.
Isaac Hammond, who lives in the western end of Sheffield but uses the roundabout quite frequently, thinks that the roundabout is a step in the right direction to encourage more “active travel” in the city.
He said: “Because the roundabout allows a completely separate, more accessible route for cyclists and pedestrians, I think it will take a bit of getting used to, especially for drivers. As long as it encourages more people to travel actively, then it’s only a good thing.”
The roundabout is part of Sheffield’s initiative to become a cleaner, greener city – which hopes to achieve net zero emissions in the city by 2030.
