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Sheffield Coronavirus response - Active Travel

Yesterday, Cabinet saw its first virtual meeting; this was streamed live for members of the public to ‘attend’ and saw Cabinet discuss an array of topics.

There was much discussion and one of the key things addressed under the Transport and Sustainability cabinet area was boosting safe and active travel.

Following a huge rise in cycling and walking during the Covid-19 lockdown, the Council have set out initial plans for introducing temporary changes to the city’s roads to encourage active travel.

The measures will help to maximise the uptake of alternative travel methods seen during the pandemic, and is encouraging everyone to consistently incorporate daily exercise into their everyday lives going forward.

Councillor Bob Johnson, Cabinet Member for Transport and Sustainability at Sheffield City Council, said:

“We’ve all been adjusting to changes of working during the pandemic, so it was great to be able to continue with Cabinet and make important decisions on taking our city forward.

“One of the key matters for me was safe and active travel during this crisis. Many of us still need to leave our homes every day to travel to work, and with the advice not to use public transport as we would normally, it’s crucial for me that people are able to travel in other ways.

“We have put temporary measures in place to widen footpaths and work is already underway to make this happen.

“We are using this opportunity to support as many people as possible to make lasting changes to their daily routines that will have a positive impact on their health and our environment and I’m pleased that Cabinet agree with this approach.”

Temporary footpath widening measures will start to be installed over the coming days in the following locations:

  • Chesterfield Road – between Haughton Road and Asda/Iceland Service Road

  • Rowlands Pharmacy – on Dykes Hall Road

  • Lloyds Pharmacy – on Far Lane/Wadsley Lane

  • Fulwood Road – on Glossop Rd to Nile St. Broomhill centre

  • Charles Street and Union St – from above Q-Park

  • Five Weirs Walk – the diversion currently in place will be widened where the main footway is inaccessible due to construction work