We welcome the new modal filters to restrict motor traffic on bridges in Newcastle, but would like to see much more from this opportunity to reshape our streets around people.

Ever since the lockdown was announced, we’ve been calling on the Council to open up the city by making major routes more walking/cycling friendly. Personally I think we need to unlock and signpost the 7 strategic cycle routes.

Why? It’s those 1-5 mile journeys where bikes can take cars off the road and there aren’t many routes with continuous segregated cycle lanes over that distance.

There are good stretches on the Great North Road, but you’re still taking your life in your hands at Regent Centre and Blue House. Scotswoid Rd better, but currently links fewer residential areas.

The strategic cycle routes were the basis of the revamped cycle strategy, but they’ve been neglected if late. Nobody knows they are there (there’s only one SCR marking on the whole network)