Planters and semi-permanent bollards have been put in place across a number of roads in Ipswich as plans for new cycle-friendly streets take shape.
Planters and semi-permanent bollards have been put in place across a number of roads in Ipswich as plans for new cycle-friendly streets take shape.
Road blocks have appeared at the bottom of Portman Road, preventing cars turning either way onto Princes Street.
Cars can continue to enter and exit Portman Road from the Handford Road junction.
Meanwhile, access to St Peter’s Dock from Stoke Bridge has been cut off.
One motorist who passed Stoke Bridge this weekend said: “The left hand lane off the main one-way system near the Waterfront has been closed. The signs say it is for social distancing but there’s been no warning and it seems a bit pointless.”
Only cyclists and pedestrians can now access the Waterfront area.
The new measures are part of a county-wide bid to encourage people to walk and cycle more as we come out of lockdown. It is hoped these measures will help contain the spread of Covid-19 by reducing the numbers using public transport, while also encouraging people to leave cars at home which will have an impact on pollution as well as physical and mental health.
The changes have been hailed by cyclists and walkers, with one Facebook user saying: “Great to see them cutting heavily polluting road routes, More pleasant and safe cycling/walking routes are needed desperately.”
MORE: Council unveils 148 cycle routes to get Suffolk cycling
Not everyone is supportive of the changes and one angry driver posted on Facebook to say: “This has really got my goat this morning, they have now closed the left-hand filter from College Street, on the one-way system by Stoke bridge, cyclists only!”
So far, Suffolk County Council has introduced 20 temporary cycle-friendly traffic schemes and is seeking feedback on these before going ahead with a five-year plan to introduce 148 priority cycle routes.
Councillor Andrew Reid, Conservative cabinet member for highways, said last week: “Our aim is to embed cycling as part of a long-term habit and reap the associated health, air quality and congestion benefits by making permanent changes to the county’s cycling infrastructure.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here