Bristol's Gloucester Road sees number of cyclists double and cars drop by a fifth
Since the turn of the century, the number of cyclists using Gloucester Road, in Bristol, has doubled while the number of cars and buses during peak time has dropped
The number of cyclists using bike lanes on a busy Bristol road has doubled since the turn of the century, while car usage has dropped by one fifth.
According to the Bristol Post, the cycle lanes on Gloucester Road, to the north of the city, are often criticised for their stop-start nature, but the infrastructure seems to work after traffic survey figures were released.
>>> Bristol cycling improvements ‘killing’ local business
While in 2000, a traffic count saw just 810 bikes, 12,084 cars and 743 buses using the road, a similar count in 2013 recorded 1,654 bikes, 9,656 cars and 607 buses during a peak time.
A spokesman for the Bristol Cycling Campaign told the Post: “Who knew that Gloucester Road was a brilliantly successful cycle route?"
“If a road like this, with very poor provision for cycling can show a steady increase in cycling over a sustained period we can be very confident that Bristol City Council is right in making cycling a significant part of its transport policy for the future.
>>> Bristol’s ‘Cheesegrater Bridge’ to be resurfaced after cyclists’ petition
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
“People are making a big effort to use bicycles even on roads like this.
“Whatever the underlying causes, the message is clear – cycling can thrive in adverse conditions and if given proper space it could make a huge contribution to public health, to well-being, and to the economy of Bristol.”
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.