Cyling plans in Portsmouth see overwhelming support

Plans to improve cycling and walking in Portsmouth have received a high level of support.

The improvements cover cycling and walking routes in the ‘east to the west corridor,’ spanning from Milton and Southsea, through the city centre, and towards The Hard Interchange. 

If the plans are approved, construction will begin later this year. 

Online briefing sessions for residents and commuters were held at the start of the year, and letters were sent to local residents and businesses to ask them to complete an online survey.

Portsmouth City Council received responses from over 700 people in support of proposed walking and cycling improvement plans. 

On Goldsmith Avenue, 77% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the route needs to be safer for cyclists, and the majority of respondents were in support of all the proposed changes. 

This feedback will help to inform the detailed design of the schemes, which be shared soon in a formal consultation. 

The proposals in the survey included:

• improving the cycle route along Goldsmith Avenue with physical segregation for cyclists
• improving the junction with Southern Railway depot on Goldsmith Avenue to make it safer for cyclists and pedestrians
• adding a loading bay for large vehicles outside the Rifle Club on Goldsmith Avenue
• adding a two-way cycle track, making more space for people walking and improving lighting and CCTV along Sydenham Terrace
• making the road closure for motorised vehicles on Canal Walk permanent
• improving crossings on Victoria Road North and Winston Churchill Avenue
• creating a new off-road, two-way cycle lane on Winston Churchill Avenue

In Portsmouth, 24% of all journeys to work are for trips less than 1.2 miles, the council hopes that these plans will encourage the public to choose active travel and will lead to less traffic congestion, cleaner air, and healthier lifestyles.

Cllr Lynne Stagg, Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation, said: ‘It’s great to see a high level of support for these plans to make cycling and walking a better option for people. These routes are important for making journeys to and from the city centre and the east of the city, so I welcome any plans to make them safer and more attractive for people to travel by foot or by bicycle. I look forward to seeing the detailed designs for these routes when they are developed over the next few months.’

Photo Credit – Supplied