Cycle group's vision for Spalding

Plans for 20mph speed limits and a better network of cycle paths feature in a campaign group’s vision for Spalding town centre.

Pedals - Spalding’s cycle action group - has submitted detailed proposals to Lincolnshire County Council that aim to encourage people to walk or ride a bike.

Its vision forms an alternative suggestion to the county council’s ‘active travel zone’ plan for the town.

The council’s plans have been slammed by traders for taking on-street parking away - but Pedals believes its plans can strike the right balance.

Pedals wants to:

• Have 20mph limits on all Spalding town centre streets - and around schools - to make life safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
• Extend cycle paths north of Spalding to get better connections to Pinchbeck and the Wardentree Lane and Enterprise Way industrial areas for workers.
• Allow cycling at all times in Market Place - with signage and a presence from police and wardens to encourage this to be done safely.
• Get a safer crossing at the Albion Street/Double Street/Westlode Street junction - and one near the Castle Sports Complex on Albion Street.

It supports cycling ‘contraflow’ lanes in The Crescent and Double Street - the latter from the junction of Holland Road footbridge to Herring Lane.

It does not, however, believe that short stay parking spaces should be taken out of Sheep Market or that the one-way system in The Crescent should be extended - both suggested by the county council.

Pedals member Roger Smith said: “We have put together that document based on our knowledge of the town - not just from a cycling point of view. There’s got to be a balance between all the various interests.

“I am a motorist myself - we are not against the motor car. We want to offer people a better choice.”

He said he did not think a 20mph limit would make too much difference to drivers - but would make life safer for people on foot or wheels.

He explained: “My guess is there would be very few people whose journey would be harmed by lowering the limit.”

Mr Smith added: “I hope the consultation will mean that they will come back with sharper and more relevant proposals, rather than looking at the responses and thinking ‘Spalding isn’t interested in active travel’.

“I am sure Spalding is interested in active travel if it’s done correctly.”

The county council says it is reviewing submissions to the consultation, which closed on Sunday.

It said it welcomed Pedals’ views and that, although some fall outside what Government funding for ‘active travel’ can be spent on, it will use them to inform future plans.