Pop-up cycle lanes and road closures planned to help South Tyneside cope with crisis

Getting people to work safely has been a key part of both the national and local response to easing lockdown restrictions in the UK.

The Government’s new ‘recovery strategy’ outlines a raft of measures to help minimise the spread of Covid-19.

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On travel, the strategy states people should avoid public transport where possible and instead, choose to cycle, walk or drive to reduce the number of people they come into contact with.

The document adds the Government will provide new statutory guidance to encourage councils to widen pavements, create pop-up cycle lanes and to close some roads to traffic, apart from buses.

South Tyneside Council is now looking for feedback on the guidance at a local level, and is urging people to share their views on proposals.

The ‘South Tyneside Covid-19 Liveable Streets Response’ aims to improve physical distancing as outdoor exercise and travel is gradually increased in communities.

A statement on the online consultation website reads: “With many residents working from home and children out of school, the borough is looking to close off certain streets to passing cars, making it easier for residents to practice safe physical distancing whilst performing essential travel and/or daily exercise.

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“We are crowdsourcing potential locations from residents to create a shortlist of a number of residential streets to initiate this project.

“We are also considering redrawing road markings to create ‘pop-up’, or temporary cycle lanes for the duration of the Covid-19 lockdown, as increased numbers of walkers and cyclists require more space to physically distance.”

It goes on to say: “Add your voice and help improve physical distancing as we gradually increase outdoor exercise and travel in our community.

“Add anything important here to highlight opportunities or issues you have uncovered during the response to Covid-19.”

The consultation website allows users to highlight specific areas or streets on a map and leave comments/suggestions.

Comments to South Tyneside Council can be made up until Sunday, May 31 by visiting stynesidestreetspace.commonplace.is

Any general questions regarding this project can also be made via [email protected]

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