Jersey islanders are being encouraged to share their views on plans to change cycling and walking routes to connect the east of the Island with St Helier.
As part of the Government’s campaign to reduce carbon emissions, a pilot cycle lane will be added to the Eastern Cycle Network, which links communities in St Clement and Gorey with St Helier. The dedicated lane along Georgetown Road and Don Road will provide a safer and more direct route into town as well as safer access to schools in the east of the Island.
The Government says that the proposals are part of their Sustainable Transport Policy, which aims to make cycling and walking more affordable, safer, convenient and reliable.
The pilot scheme will reallocate road space to create cycle lanes in both directions, whilst maintaining an eastbound traffic lane. The proposed contra-flow cycle lane, which runs from Georgetown to Mont Millais junctions and allows cyclists to ride in the opposite direction of traffic, will be separated to protect cyclists. A with-flow cycle lane, in which cyclists will travel in the same direction as traffic from Mont Millais to Georgetown junction, will be marked by dashed lines so vehicles can enter if necessary. There will be connections at each end of the cycle lanes to allow safer access.
Before work on creating the pilot cycle lane begins, a public consultation has been launched so Islanders can look at the plans and voice their opinions. There will then be a further consultation during the pilot to get feedback on the success of the cycle lanes.
The Minister for Infrastructure, Deputy Kevin Lewis, said: “As part of the Sustainable Transport Policy, the Government are committed to creating a network of safer travel options for cyclists and walkers, which includes a real focus on making St Helier safer and more accessible for cyclists to help reduce the volume of cars travelling into town.
“Encouraging more people to use active travel to get into town not only reduces traffic and congestion but promotes better health outcomes and reduces pollution.
“Please take this opportunity to give your feedback on the proposed new scheme. This project highlights the importance of connectivity and safety, it supports our overall Sustainable Transport goals as we seek to improve the health and wellbeing of all Islanders embarking on greener ways to travel.”
The scheme will be regularly reviewed and after a year, if deemed successful, it will be developed into a permanent scheme and connect to other cycling improvements in the future.
The public consultation closes on Sunday 15 August.
