New measures introduced to assist social distancing whilst walking and cycling

Photo showing road space temporarily cordoned off on the A4174 in Filton.
Road space temporarily cordoned off on the A4174 in Filton so that extra space can be created for pedestrians and cyclists passing under the railway bridge.

The first of a number of new measures planned in communities across South Gloucestershire to help pedestrians and cyclists move around whilst practising social distancing was put into place in Filton yesterday (Thursday 28th May).

Transport habits have changed in light of the Covid-19 (coronavirus) pandemic and as lockdown restrictions are eased over the coming weeks South Gloucestershire Council says it want to make it as easy as possible for people to safely walk, cycle or access schools.

Consideration is being given to measures that can be introduced to support more walking and cycling in and around town centres and local communities.

The council also wants to help kick start the economy by enabling easy and safe access to shops and businesses.

A council spokesperson said:

“Our high streets will look and feel different as the lockdown is lifted over the weeks and months ahead. Shops, restaurants and cafes will need to trade outside immediately in front of their premises. We will need to provide extra space for people to get around safely and be able to maintain social distancing, whether on foot or by bike. There is only limited space available, so on-street road space for cars will need to reduce, however we will continue to maintain our network of council car parks and their associated free parking.”

For this first scheme, part of the existing road space has been cordoned off to form a wider shared pedestrian and cycling lane, at a notorious pinch point on the A4174 in Filton, between the Abbeywood Roundabout and Emma Chris Way (leading to Filton railway station). The pavement narrows under the railway bridge and without these new measures it would make social distancing very difficult if people were to pass each other there.

The wider lane has initially been installed using temporary traffic management and a robust barrier will be added next week.

Cllr Steve Reade, Cabinet member for planning, transport and strategic environment, said:

“This period of lockdown has given us a once in a lifetime opportunity to look at how we use our roads and pathways and how we can best adapt for changes in use as more people opt to get around by walking and cycling, adopting new travel and activity habits whilst being subject to social distancing.”

“The change in Filton is the first of a range of measures we are looking to take to keep people safe, and because of the speed of their introduction they will be subject to regular constructive review.”

“As a Council we have a strong ambition to increase walking and cycling across the district, with around £6 million already being invested on a range of initiatives and schemes – many of which stem from feedback and suggestions we receive from residents.”

“We will look to announce additional schemes in due course.”

The council has also been assisting schools in our area to reopen to pupils safely from 1st June by installing signs and spraying stencils to remind people of social distancing rules and to help manage vehicles at drop off and pick up times.

It is currently working on a number of potential schemes across South Gloucestershire and further details of these will be announced over the coming weeks once they are confirmed.

The funding for this work comes from central government through the West of England Combined Authority.

Residents wishing to suggest further schemes that would help people maintain social distancing may do so via www.southglos.gov.uk/local-transport-priority-list


UPDATE (Tuesday 2nd June 2020)

Statement issued by South Gloucestershire Council at 12.10pm:

Following feedback from residents, businesses and road users, we are today removing the temporary measures put in place on the A4174 Station Road in Filton.

We have listened to comments about the trial measures, which were implemented to allow more space for cyclists and pedestrians as lockdown restrictions are eased and people start to return to work. We understand the concern around increased congestion and are removing the cordoned off road space between the Abbeywood roundabout and Emma Chris Way to a normal traffic lane.

Signs warning cyclists and pedestrians to take extra care along this section of the A4174 so they can remain two metres apart will be put up as soon as possible.

We are continuing to look at ways we can help people to safely walk, cycle or access school and welcome suggestions for your local area. Visit our website www.southglos.gov.uk/local-transport-priority-list

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8 comments

  1. This is the most idiotic idea the council has ever come up with. 500m of social distancing created for those on foot and cycling creating traffic chaos, AND putting those same pedestrians and cyclists back together along all other parts of the route #uttermadness

  2. Cyclists dismount and walk 500m built for a two way passing once again,,,,,,,think outside of the box,,,,,,,40k pluss guys

  3. Lets cause highway choas for a few people walking and cycling!!!! Really!

    Put in a set of lights for stupid people that can’t keep their distance!

  4. Thought someone was having a laugh. Have they got a load of road cones they don’t know what to do with? It causes total traffic chaos.

  5. Stuck in a huge traffic jam here on Saturday 29 May!!! All I saw using the path (not the coned off section of the road) was one cyclist and 3 pedestrians in the 20 minutes or so it took me to get from the lights at the MoD to the Filton Avenue traffic lights! The air pollution must be horrendous from the volume of barely moving traffic!! Talk about overkill!! I know school children use these paths but the high schools aren’t even back yet!! And apparently an ambulance was stuck in there for 7 minutes trying to get through! That could be a life or death situation!!! Surely a survey of volume of footfall/cycling actually using these pathways should have been undertaken before taking such drastic action!!! South Glos councillors need to see the chaos this is causing before making this a permanent fixture!!

  6. Yes, it is a notorious pinch point, but only for traffic on the road, not pedestrians or cyclists! Is this another hair-brained ‘initiative’ to attempt to force cars off the road; especially at a time when public transport is not recommended.

  7. Whoever thought of this initiative needs to be investigated by the Local Authority? Who sanctioned it, how much did it cost? Why weren’t other measures (one way system etc considered?) It was always a nonsense idea. Finally, why wasn’t their a consultation BEFORE to save all the grief this has caused?

  8. Links to posts about the A4174 scheme on the Facebook pages of North Bristol Press titles:

    South Glos Post | 29th May 2020:
    https://www.facebook.com/SouthGlosPost/posts/3016116301771412

    Bradley Stoke Journal | 29th May 2020
    https://www.facebook.com/BradleyStokeJournal/posts/3150564784993676

    Stoke Gifford Journal | 2nd June 2020
    https://www.facebook.com/StokeGiffordJournal/posts/3333258110052666

    South Glos Post | 2nd June 2020
    https://www.facebook.com/SouthGlosPost/posts/3025840970798945

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