£850k project to improve Mile Cross cycle link criticised

County Hall's plans to "improve" cycling routes along Mile Cross Road and the Marriott's Way with cash from the public coffers has not gone down well with locals. 

Some are "sick" of the council splashing taxpayer money on cycling projects while others say the area would not benefit from the changes being put forward. 

Improvements to Mile Cross' cycle routes could see journey times reduced (Image: Newsquest)

To help reduce traffic and create safer conditions for those walking and cycling, the council proposes closing one end of Half Mile Road and installing two new zebra crossings nearby. 

It comes after a number of cycle path projects were recently announced including a revamp of the Lakenham Way and a new route being built off Salhouse Road.

Disgruntled local Kathryn Reeve said: "I live on the end of Half Mile Road they want to close and it's awful trying to get out of our road as it is, so closing it would make it even more difficult.

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"I use Mile Cross Road a lot for shopping, visiting family, work pick-ups etc and rarely see cyclists.

"It seems a lot of work, money and inconvenience to a lot of people for a just couple of people."

Kathryn Reeve, a Mile Cross local, is not happy with the proposed changes (Image: Kathryn Reeve) Darren Dennis added: "Sick of the council wasting taxpayers' money on cycle lanes when I lose count of the number of cyclists that use the pedestrian footpaths instead."

'A VALUABLE RESOURCE'

However, the need for improvements to cycling routes between Mile Cross, Hellesdon and the city centre was identified "as a priority" in Norfolk County Council's Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan in July 2021. This scheme comes as part of it.

Funding was obtained through the government's Active Travel Fund meaning it is generated through taxes and cannot be spent on anything else. 

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In justifying the expense, Councillor Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said: "Working with the city council, Mile Cross Road was identified as a key location to improve cycle links. 

"It will provide safe local access to the numerous schools and green spaces in the area, as well as better connections to the city centre for those living locally or commuting from further afield."

Graham Plant has encouraged members of the public to weigh in on the proposal (Image: Norfolk County Council)

And despite the public backlash, the scheme has been welcomed by local leaders. 

Councillor Chrissie Rumsby said: "I have long campaigned for safety improvements in the area and we finally have funding in place to deliver something."

Peter Silburn, chairman of the Norwich Cycling Campaign, said: "We welcome the overall aims of the scheme.

"Mile Cross is currently poorly served by cycle infrastructure and, done well, this route would provide a valuable resource for the Mile Cross community, as well as form the basis of a much-needed new pedalway out to Drayton."

Marriott's Way would see improvements made as part of the £850,000 project (Image: Newsquest)

POINTS OF CONTENTION

He did, however, raise several concerns about certain aspects of the scheme. 

"At the southern end of the route it is unclear how anyone cycling will connect safely and conveniently with the existing off-road cycle path on Havers Road, which provides the connection to the Marriott's Way," he said. 

"Where the neighbourhood cycle route along Margaret Paston Avenue crosses Mile Cross Road into Half Mile Lane there should be a safe crossing for cyclists as well as a zebra for pedestrians.

Mile Cross councillor Chrissie Rumsby is supportive of the proposals (Image: Newsquest)

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"In addition, the design of the bus stops does not follow current best practices."

A consultation period is under way where people are encouraged to weigh in on the initial proposal. 

Cllr Plant added: "The feedback we receive will be carefully considered and provide valuable information as we shape the final proposed design for the project."

It closes on October 20. 

Peter Silburn of the Norwich Cycling Campaign raised a number of queries (Image: Norwich Cycling Campaign)