NEW measures to further improve safety for people using Leicester’s popular Lancaster Road cycle route are due to be implemented later this month.
The city council is set to introduce experimental measures that will prohibit general traffic from using the junction of De Montfort Street and Lancaster Road. This will involve closing a short stretch of De Montfort Street to through traffic.
The measures are being introduced, on a trial basis, to make the junction safer for all road users and address concerns from local cycling groups about the potential risks of motor vehicles crossing the existing cycle lanes at this junction.
Temporary measures – including new road signs and removable barriers – will be put in place on a short stretch on De Montfort Street, close to its junction with Lancaster Road, to prohibit all through traffic except cycles. Vehicles will still be able to enter De Montfort Street from Regent Road, and space will be created for vehicles to turn by removing up to four pay and display parking bays on both sides of the road.
Space will continue to be provided for the existing food truck to trade.
The changes will be brought in initially for six months under an experimental traffic order, which can be altered or stopped if necessary, and will be closely monitored. If successful, the changes could be made permanent.
Assistant city mayor Cllr Geoff Whittle, who leads on environment and transport, said: “Lancaster Road is an important and busy route for walkers, wheelers and cyclists. It's located right in the heart of the University of Leicester campus and is a well-used route linking Queens Road and Clarendon Park with the city centre.
“Along with the new cycle lanes on London Road, the Lancaster Road cycle way also plays an important role in helping to discourage people from cycling on New Walk.
“It’s vital that we listen to feedback from the people who are using the route and take steps to further improve safety where issues have been raised. This experimental order will allow us to test the new measures and listen to feedback before any permanent changes are made.”
The changes are expected to come into action from Sunday 19 May.
More details about the scheme are available at www.leicester.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/traffic-regulation-orders/