Cycle-safety plans including a one-way Colston Street move forward after public support

More than £3m has been earmarked for the road layout changes
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Plans which include turning Colston Street into a one-way road to stop people using it for rat runs have taken a step forward after more than £3m in funding was agreed for the project.

Other proposed changes as part of the Park Row, Perry Road, Upper Maudlin Street and Colston Street scheme include upgrades to pedestrian crossings and introducing permanent segreated cycle lanes.

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The idea behind the project is to make it easier and safer to walk and cycle in the area, and support local businesses.

Subject to a grant from the Department for Transport, a total of £3.4m will be spent on the project which is still to undergo ‘further detailed design work’, according to council officers.

What is being proposed?

The biggest change would be the turning of Colston Street into a one-way road from Upper Maudlin Street toward Bristol Beacon.

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Lower Park Road would also become one-way for motorists going up the hill, and its junction at Colston Street would be made smaller so the zebra crossing could be relocated closer to the top of Christmas Steps.

Between Upper Maudlin Street to Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) the central reservation would be removed to enable a protected cycle lane. While outside the BRI, a cycle track would be created between the two bus stops to improve safety.

How outside the Bristol Royal Infirmary could look like under the plans which are being progressedHow outside the Bristol Royal Infirmary could look like under the plans which are being progressed
How outside the Bristol Royal Infirmary could look like under the plans which are being progressed

Between Perry Road and St Micheal’s Hill, two pedestrian crossing next to St Michael’s Hill would be upgraded and Lower Church Lane made possibly a no-through route. Temporary bollards protecting the cycle lane on St Michael’s Hill would be replaced with a kerbed separation.

At Malborough Street, the northern footway would be made slightly narrower to provide more room for a protected cycle lane on both sides of the road.

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Also, cycle hangars would be introduced for residents in Colston Street, Woodland Road and Lower Park Row.

Consultation results

The council’s second constulation ran between November 29 and Janaury 16.

A total of 565 surveys were completed using an online platform, and 78% of respondents agreed with the propsed changes overall.

More than 75% supported the idea for cycle hangars at the proposed locations.

There were some concerns raised, however.

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The Christmas Steps Quarter said traders were concerned about a loss of car parking on Lower Park Row, but residents were supportive of making Lower Church Lane a no-through road.

Proposed junction of Lower and Upper Maudlin Streets - note the segregated cycle laneProposed junction of Lower and Upper Maudlin Streets - note the segregated cycle lane
Proposed junction of Lower and Upper Maudlin Streets - note the segregated cycle lane

Bristol Walking Alliance supported the proposals, while Bristol Cycling Campaign said it strong backed the introduction of protectred cycle lanes.

You can read the consultation results by clicking here.

What next

Having agreed to funding for the scheme, the council officers will now progress on finishing design work for the proposal, taking into consideration feedback from the consultation.

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