14 December
Nottingham City Council has successfully bid for a further £2 million to spend on measures that encourage people to walk or cycle.
The council’s Executive Board will be asked to formally accept the grant from the Government’s Active Travel Fund at its meeting tomorrow (15 December).
The funding follows the award of £570,000 in June, which has seen the introduction of a number of trial measures, including pop up cycle lanes, low traffic neighbourhoods, and car-free school streets.
In addition, more than 165 free bikes have been given to key workers and people on low incomes.
Councillor Adele Williams, Portfolio Holder for Transport, said: “We are thrilled to have received our full allocation of £2m, demonstrating the Government’s confidence in the City Council to deliver effective measures that will make it easier, safer and more attractive for people to walk and cycle.
“This is so important as we work toward a greener recovery from Covid, not just in terms of reducing unnecessary car journeys and better air quality, but also for the benefits more active travel can bring to both the physical and mental wellbeing of our communities.
“This funding will enable us to build on and improve our existing measures, and deliver new schemes. We’re also really pleased to see greater emphasis on consultation, so we can ensure we’re putting the right measures in the right places. The engagement and feedback we’ve received during our trial schemes will play a massive part in shaping those measures.”
Consultation is due to start early in the new year on the latest schemes, which include:
- Making permanent several of the car-free school streets, and expanding the trial to run outside new schools, alongside an educational programme
- Exploring options for a 20mph speed limit in the city centre to create a safer and more attractive environment for pedestrians and cyclists
- Introduction of a bus and cycle lane across Trent Bridge, to increase safety at this busy river crossing
- Installation of a permanent barrier system at Victoria Embankment, allowing the ability to open and close the road as required, for example to enable access for events.
- Trial facilities to encourage cycling on Mansfield Road and Porchester Road
- Responding to requests for pedestrian crossing facilities at key locations in Sherwood and Berridge, with the potential to develop a new low traffic neighbourhood
