Plans to keep Hull’s improved cycling network have been confirmed.
As a result, Freetown Way will return to two lanes of traffic whilst retaining a segregated cycle lane – delivering a space that is fit for everyone.
Cycle lanes in Holderness Road, Spring Bank, Ferensway, Anlaby Road, Hessle Road and Beverley Road will also remain, and 7am – 6.30pm bus lanes will stay in place.
Councillor Dean Kirk, portfolio holder for highways and transport said: “Today’s decision reflects the commitment our local authority has towards encouraging people to travel actively, by retaining the infrastructure which allows them to do so.
“The way in which we travel is changing, and how we share the road space is a key consideration for the council. We appreciate that changes to how people travel may not happen overnight, but our ambition is to build a transport network that works for everyone.”
Plans to improve cycling and walking in the city were already under way as part of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). However in June 2020 these plans were accelerated in line with the Government’s Emergency Active Travel Fund, designed to build on the cycling renaissance taking place across the country as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Councillor Kirk continued: “We made the decision to bid for the Emergency Active Travel fund in order to accelerate our plans to improve cycling and walking routes in the city. By doing so, this paved the way for us to bid for further funding via the Government’s Getting Build Fund for more general road improvements which took place in key locations such as Holderness Road, Hessle Road and Anlaby Road.”
Hull is in a midst of transformation to its transport network. New cycle lanes, improved pedestrian crossings and significant upgrades to roads around the city have accelerated over the past 18 months.
Once complete, the improvements will offer a shared space that is safe and accessible for everyone, whilst allowing people to make conscious travel choices in a bid to improve their health, combat air pollution and reduce congestion on the city’s roads.
