As a resident in the area with young children I fully support the proposal. SCR as it currently exists is not an inviting place. The footpaths (while recently much improved) are not wide enough to safely accommodate the foot traffic that currently uses it. The road is narrow, with parking in one lane forcing chicanes throughout, with cars ‘jumping’ through a gap ahead of the oncoming traffic. It is used as a rat run to town, and the speeds reflect this. It is not a pleasant route to be outside the ‘safety’ of a car.
The proposals will make SCR a safe, viable route for pedestrians and cyclists – adults and children alike. It will reduce the necessity of a car for a short journey due to unsafe conditions, and provide a safe alternative for those who can choose to walk or cycle. It will allow the many students who attend schools at either end of SCR the option to cycle independently knowing the route is safer. It will reduce the dependence on cars for drop off/ pick up because cycling/ walking is a reasonable alternative.
This proposal is effective at broadening the extremely limited cycling infrastructure into the city and provides a safe thoroughfare for commuters (cyclists and pedestrians alike) while improving the air quality for residents and visitors. Studies are increasingly showing that investment in segregated cycling spaces provide measurable returns in terms of improvement in air quality and reduction in respiratory illnesses. This is a clear benefit to all who live at, near or travel through the proposed scheme.
proceed as outlined