Bike 'armadillos' and reduced speed limits among ideas for 'new normal' transport in South Tyneside

The Government’s coronavirus ‘recovery strategy’ outlined a raft of measures to help minimise the spread of Covid-19 including guidance around travel.

Widening pavements, creating pop-up cycle lanes and closing some roads to traffic were among the potential measures which aim to encourage more people to walk and cycle.

As lockdown measures are eased, the changes also aim to make it easier for people to practice safe social distancing when travelling or exercising.

South Tyneside Council launched a consultation in May to gather views on areas which could benefit from changes.

The ‘South Tyneside Covid-19 Liveable Streets Response’ provided an interactive map allowing residents to highlight specific areas and leave suggestions.

As the consultation closed on May 31, more than 330 individual comments had been posted.

Key areas in South Shields included calls for temporary cycle lanes in Whitburn, reduced speed limits along the coast road and improvements at the Marsden Grotto junction.

Other suggestions for the Coast Road included moving the cycle lane onto the grassed area away from the road, removing all parking and turning the spaces into a cycle, lane and installing cycle safety “armadillo” structures.

In South Shields town centre, Lawe Road, Ocean Road and King Street were among the list of streets with requests for temporary cycle paths.

Another comment also called for a safe designated route for cyclists to get from Ocean Road to Asda, the Customs House and the Ferry Landing.

In Jarrow and Hebburn, requests ranged from new crossings and pathway improvements to improved cycling facilities – including along the riverside route.

Elsewhere in the borough, residents called for improved cycling provision on major road links including the Testos Roundabout, the A184 Newcastle Road , A194 Leam Lane, Downhill Lane and the A1018 from Sunderland to South Shields.

Following the consultation, South Tyneside Council will use the crowdsourced responses to create a shortlist of streets where works could take place.

According to the consultation website, this could include ‘redrawing’ road markings to create temporary cycle lanes for the duration of the Covid-19 lockdown.

Consultation comments can still be viewed online and to see the suggestions for your area, visit stynesidestreetspace.commonplace.is

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