Plans to enhance public transport and cycling networks in North Tyneside

Views are being sought on plans for around 14km of new cycling routes across North Tyneside.
An artist impression of the proposed Dutch-style roundabout.An artist impression of the proposed Dutch-style roundabout.
An artist impression of the proposed Dutch-style roundabout.

And among them is an option for the first ‘Dutch-style’ roundabout in the region.

North Tyneside Council has secured nearly £1.6m from the Government’s Active Travel Fund (ATF) and £7million from the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) for cycling and transport improvements.

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The ATF funding is specifically for schemes along commuter routes where public transport provision is reduced during the pandemic and where there is high potential for people commuting by bicycle.

TCF funding is for transport improvements that close the gap between the time it takes to travel by car and the time it takes to travel by public transport.

A six-week public consultation is underway until July 11 asking for views on a number of new schemes including:

Around 3km of new and enhanced routes aimed at improving links to Cobalt Business Park and North Tyneside Hospital from the coast and to Newcastle (via the Coast Road Cycle Route).

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A new 2km segregated route between Norham Road (New York) and Foxhunters (Monkseaton), including an option for a ‘Dutch-style’ cycling roundabout at the Rake Lane / New York Road junction.

As part of the Ambition for North Shields master plan, up to 6km of cycling routes in and around North Shields town centre connecting to the proposed new transport hub – including Tynemouth Road, Howard Street and Preston Road, as well as a new ramped Riverside Embankment Walkway between the town centre and Fish Quay.

A new bus lane into the Four Lane Ends Interchange with bus priority measures at the Four Lane Ends junction and a new cycling route between Four Lane Ends and Coach Lane (Benton).

5km of improved cycling links to five Metro stations aimed at extending the reach of the Metro into areas 2km or more away from an existing station.

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The proposed ‘Dutch-style’ roundabout improves safety by providing cycle and pedestrian priority, including zebra crossings for pedestrians and a dedicated cycle path around the roundabout for cyclists.

Coun Sandra Graham, North Tyneside’s Cycling Champion, said: “We know there continues to be a real growth in cycling in North Tyneside.

“We also know people want safer, segregated cycling routes to help them get around the borough so I’m delighted that we’ve secured this funding to create this new network of routes which will support the excellent facilities we already have, such as the waggonways and public rights of way network, and National Cycle Network routes.

“As a council we are committed to continuing to improve the cycling environment and infrastructure, encouraging more people to ride bikes and to making every day cycling a simple, safe and attractive option for all.”

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Coun Carl Johnson, Deputy Mayor, said: “These proposals are really exciting and forward-thinking in terms of promoting more active and sustainable forms of travel and making it easier to use public transport or cycle to work – particularly as we continue our work to make North Tyneside a greener place to live, work and visit.

“I would urge residents and businesses to have their say on the plans through our public consultation to help us shape the final proposals as they develop.”

For more information about the consultation visit www.northtyneside.gov.uk and search ‘walking and cycling’.