What is Space for Cycling?

Space for Cycling is about creating the conditions where riding a bike is a realistic choice for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

It means more people get an appealing alternative to driving, which brings everyone benefits like reduced traffic noise, more friendly neighbourhoods, improved air quality and more freedom for children to play outside.

Protected space on main roads and through junctions

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Major roads and junctions can be threatening which deters many people from cycling. Yet they are often the most direct routes from A to B. With good cycle planning, anyone should be able to use these routes safely and comfortably.

Lower traffic speeds

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Lowering traffic speeds improves safety for everyone, including people riding bikes. It creates a more pleasant environment where walking and cycling are enjoyable and local neighbourhoods are more pleasant places to live.

Reduced through-traffic

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Rat-running blights communities and can make travelling by bike intimidating. Pleasant cycling and walking routes can be created by closing a road to through-traffic but leaving it open for bicycles and people walking.

Safe routes to schools

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Many Sheffield schools offer cycle training but very few children are able to ride their bikes to school.  Road danger is a huge worry for Sheffield parents which keeps walking and cycling levels low.

People-friendly town and city centres

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Public spaces which are not dominated by motor traffic encourage people to spend time there. They are more pleasant places to work, shop and spend time. Think of European café culture: the result of streets which revolve around people, not motor traffic.

Traffic-free routes in green spaces

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Walking and cycling in green spaces is pleasant and can enhance city life. Routes through parks and green spaces complement direct routes along main roads but should not be seen as an alternative to a cycle-friendly road network.

One thought on “What is Space for Cycling?

  1. I cycle alot, but having been a regurlar visitor to Amserdam I’m so envious of there outlook on cycling, it would be fantastic to have more cycling safe routes/roads in Sheffield, although we cannot Iron the Hills out of Sheffield,we could make it more cycle Friendly /safer .

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