by A new footpath in Gwynedd giving pedestrians and cyclists more width than motorists has sparked outrage over what is being called an ‘anti-car agenda’. Opinions are divided regarding the new active travel reforms along a busy gateway route; some are horrified by the reduction in road space for cars, vans and buses while others have applauded the extra width of footpaths to be shared between those on two feet and two wheels.
In a bid to change the mode of transport used by commuters in Bangor, Gwynedd, ongoing £1.2m works have significantly narrowed Penrhos Road – one of the main points into the city center – making way for a footpath new which aims to encourage. shared use.
The current adjustments affect the stretch of road between Coed y Maes and Coed Mawr. The long-term strategy involves diverting the entire stretch of Penrhos Road from the A487, and establishing cycle lanes on Penchwintan Road to facilitate connection to Bangor Railway Station. The total path implied in these plans will be approximately 2.5 miles in length. To get the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter
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Barring some tight spots, the dual-use path will account for three meters of road width. Gwynedd Council said this would reduce the residual road to six metres, reports North Wales Live. But when allocated parking areas are taken into account, the available driving path is further reduced. Aerial photos show the significant width of the shared pedestrian and cycle path almost equal to the double lane carriageway.
Some drivers are angry about the developments; One motorist voiced his displeasure saying: “It’s absolutely absurd that the cycle lane is wider than the car lanes! This causes drivers to push hard on passing lanes, which the It is completely vague advice.
One critic expressed their frustration, saying: “They’ve completely lost the plot. Even the cycle paths in Amsterdam which are used by thousands of people are not that wide. This is just an attack on your right to car to drive.” Despite the changes, old road markings can still be seen, leading to uneven lane widths and complaints from motorists being pushed against new curbs. There are also concerns that the lanes have become too tight for ambulances and other large vehicles. Support award-winning journalism with the WalesOnline Premium app on Apple or Android
Gwynedd Council insisted that the project complied with current design standards and insisted that the road is “safe for all vehicles”. A council representative said: “The work is ongoing, and while we understand the impact the development may have in the short term, the road will be realigned as the work is completed over the coming months.”
The new shared user path is taking over what was once part of a grassy path, about 2.5 meters wide, prompting some to dismiss the initiative as a “waste of money”. As Penchwintan Road is too narrow for a shared user path, cyclists are expected to ride on the road. On uphill sections, cycle lanes will be advisory only, allowing cars to overtake them, it is said.
Plans for the final stretch to the train station are still being discussed. At this point, Caernarfon Road is quite narrow and includes a railway underpass. A specific scheme is in place to tackle these challenges. Along the 2.5 mile stretch, new road crossings are being installed, including signalized and parallel crossings with additional space for cyclists. The existing crossings are also being upgraded with sunken curbs and tactile paving.
The aim is to “provide frequent opportunities for cyclists and pedestrians to cross” a potentially busy road. Formal crossings will “give priority to bicycles, pedestrians and cyclists”. The majority of respondents to a scheme consultation were in favor of the plans. Some 47% of respondents were “very supportive” of an improved footpath, although this dropped to 33% for a shared use path.
In addition, almost half of respondents (48%) said they were “likely” or very likely to change their mode of travel if a user path were implemented. fast and busy road, adding: “I have to pay for a taxi to the shops instead of crossing the road for the bus. ” Another said: “When children are walking to school it is very difficult to cross the road.”
But some residents were worried about an “accident waiting to happen” when vehicles veered from driveways and cyclists walked along the footpaths. And although the shared user path will be separated, even frequent cyclists were not taken with it. He fears the high number of children and pet owners using the footpath could pose a danger to both pedestrians and cyclists. Adding to his concerns, the cyclist said: “Shared use lanes increase drivers’ sense of entitlement and create an us-them mentality, where drivers feel that cyclists should use the bike lanes exclusively.”
With funding through the Welsh Government’s Active Travel scheme, Gwynedd Council was able to push the plans forward in collaboration with Transport Wales, whose main aim is to ensure safe walking and cycling routes for the local population. A council spokesman said: “Ffordd Penrhos connects residential areas with schools, the hospital and employment areas. This project was developed in response to safety concerns in the area over the past several years, and we are delighted that the scheme will promote active travel options are available for those traveling to primary and secondary schools in the area.
“The first phase of the Penrhosgarnedd shared footpath in Gwynedd is due to be completed soon, and it is hoped that further funding and similar schemes will be secured across the county. climate change.”
