A new path in Gwynedd that gives pedestrians and cyclists more width than motorists has sparked anger over what has been described as an ‘anti-car agenda’. Opinion is divided over the new active travel renovations carried out along a busy access route; Some are shocked at the reduced road space for cars, vans and buses, while others welcome the extra sidewalk width to be shared between people on two feet and two wheels.
In a bid to change the way commuters travel in Bangor, Gwynedd, ongoing works costing £1.2 million have substantially narrowed Penrhos Road – one of the main access points to the city center – creating space for a new path aimed at encouraging shared use.
The current adjustments have consequences for the roadway between Coed y Maes and Coed Mawr. The long-term strategy includes transforming the entire span of Penrhos Road, coming from the A487, and installing cycle lanes on Penchwintan Road to ease the connection to Bangor Train Station. The total route implied in these plans will be approximately 4 km long. Sign up to our newsletter to get the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox
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Except for a few tight spots, the dual-use path will cover three meters of the road’s width. Cyngor Gwynedd stated that this would reduce the remaining carriageway to just six metres, North Wales Live reports. But since assigned parking spaces are included, the actual available driveway is further reduced. Aerial photographs show that the significant width of the shared pedestrian-cycle path is almost equal to that of the double-lane carriageway.
Some motorists are outraged by the developments; one driver expressed his disapproval, saying: “It is completely absurd that the cycle path is wider than car paths! This forces motorists to desperately squeeze around potholes, which the council seems completely unaware of. Absolute madness.”
One critic expressed their frustration, saying: “They have completely lost the thread. Even the cycle paths in Amsterdam, which thousands of people use, are not that wide. This is nothing more than an attack on your right to drive.” Despite the changes, old road markings are still visible, leading to uneven lane widths and complaints from motorists that they are being pressed against new curbs. There are also concerns that the lanes have become too tight for ambulances and other large vehicles. Support award-winning journalism with WalesOnline’s Premium App Apple or Android
Gwynedd Council insisted the project met current design standards and claimed the road “remains safe for all vehicles”. A council representative said: “The work is ongoing, and whilst we appreciate the impact the development may cause in the short term, the road will be realigned as the work is completed over the coming months.”
The new shared-user path takes over what was once a partially grassy sidewalk, about 8 feet wide, prompting some to dismiss the initiative as a “waste of money.” Because Penchwintan Road is too narrow for a shared user path, cyclists are expected to ride on the road. On uphill sections, the cycle paths will only have an advisory function, allowing cars to drive over them, it is said.
The plans for the last stretch to the station are still under discussion. At this point Caernarfon Road is quite narrow and contains a railway underpass. A separate plan is being developed to address these challenges. New intersections will be constructed along the 4.1 km route, including signposted and parallel intersections with additional space for cyclists. Existing intersections are also being upgraded with dropped curbs and tactile paving.
The goal is to give cyclists and pedestrians “frequent opportunities to cross” what can be a busy road. Formal crossings will “give priority to bicycles, pedestrians and cyclists”. The majority of respondents to a scheme consultation were in favor of the plans. About 47% of respondents were “strongly in favor” of an improved pedestrian path, although this fell to 33% for a shared-use path.
In addition, almost half of respondents (48%) said it was “likely” or very likely” that they would change the way they travel if a shared user path were installed. One person was happy with the new arrangement and said they felt “trapped” by the fast and busy road, adding: “I have to pay for a taxi to the shops instead of crossing the road for the bus. Another said: ‘When you take the children to school it is very difficult to cross the road.’
Still, some residents worried about an “accident waiting to happen” as vehicles pulled out of driveways as cyclists sped along the sidewalks. And while the shared user path will be segregated, even a frequent cyclist wasn’t impressed. There are fears that the large number of children and pet owners using the path could pose a danger to both pedestrians and cyclists. Adding to his concerns, the cyclist stated: “Shared use of paths increases drivers’ sense of entitlement and creates an us-and-them attitude, where motorists believe cyclists should only use cycle paths.”
By securing funding through the Welsh Government’s Active Travel programme, Cyngor Gwynedd was able to progress the plans in partnership with Transport for Wales, with the main aim of securing safe walking and cycling routes for local people. A council spokesperson said: “Ffordd Penrhos connects residential areas with schools, hospitals and employment areas. This project has been developed in response to safety concerns in the area over a number of years, and we are pleased that the scheme will enable active travel. options for those traveling to primary and secondary schools in the area We are confident that the improvements will make it easier for children and parents to safely walk or cycle to school and nursery.
“The first phase of the shared Penrhosgarnedd trail in Gwynedd will soon be completed, with ambitions for further funding and similar projects across the county. Cyngor Gwynedd’s ultimate aim is to encourage more walking and cycling to tackle public health issues, parking congestion and parking issues. climate change.”