New temporary bike lane to open along Eastern Road in Portsmouth

A NEW temporary bike lane along one of Portsmouth's busiest roads is set to open to encourage cycling and allow for social distancing.
A southbound bike lane will be created on Eastern Road. Picture: GoogleA southbound bike lane will be created on Eastern Road. Picture: Google
A southbound bike lane will be created on Eastern Road. Picture: Google

Work on a southbound cycle lane along Eastern Road - which will run between Anchorage Park and just south of Tangier Road - will begin on June 8, with expectation that it will be ready for use by June 15.

It will go on the inside lane of the road.

The lane will be separated from cars by painted cross hatching a metre wide and the whole of the road on both sides will have its speed limit reduced to 40mph.

An example of a bike lane in Goldsmith Avenue, Southsea. Picture: Malcolm Wells  (191014-8334)An example of a bike lane in Goldsmith Avenue, Southsea. Picture: Malcolm Wells  (191014-8334)
An example of a bike lane in Goldsmith Avenue, Southsea. Picture: Malcolm Wells (191014-8334)
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Plans have been brought forward without consultation under government guidelines to create a network of more cycle and pedestrian friendly streets.

Portsmouth City Council's transport boss, Councillor Lynne Stagg, said: 'We are all being encouraged to cycle and walk more, and I am pleased to see this new cycle lane being created so quickly, with the support of the police, so we can provide space for social distancing in the safest way possible.

'There are a number of temporary changes to the roads in Portsmouth and I urge everyone to think about others and travel safely.'

Last week Eastern Road alone saw a 78 per cent increase in cyclists compared to the same week the year before.

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Campaign group Pompey Street Space, which is campaigning for an improved network of cyclist and pedestrian friendly roads, said the change was needed.

A group spokesman said: 'We welcome this attempt to give confident cyclists more space to commute on the eastern side of the island as we approach the third anniversary of Tim Atkins' fatal accident that took place at the Harvester junction.

'However, it's important that any changes are part of an integrated city-wide approach and are well promoted, so that more people do feel able to switch from car to bike for their commute.'

It comes as the government announced Portsmouth City Council could receive up to £1.9m over three grants to improve cycling and walking in the city.

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However, a letter from Rupert Furness, deputy director for active and accessible travel, stipulated that councils need to show 'swift and meaningful plans to reallocate road space to cyclists and pedestrians, including on strategic corridors' to unlock all the funding. Work also needs to be completed within eight weeks of starting.

Portsmouth council has said it is currently is reviewing the whole of the city's road network 'to see where space for cycling and walking can safely be created' in order to secure the funding.

The path either side of Eastern Road will continue to be available for cyclists and pedestrians travelling in both directions.

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