The team at Cycle-Works are pleased to support the new Pompey Street Space initiative. The campaign’s objective is to persuade Portsmouth City Council to ensure there is a joined up network of safe streets with sufficient space for residents to move sustainably around the city, whilst maintaining social distancing.
Encouragingly, there has been up to a 125% uptake in active travel throughout the city over recent weeks. This is resulting in reduced congestion, better air quality and improved wellbeing.
As lockdown eases, it is important that we take this opportunity to turn these trends into long-term change, enhancing the quality of life of all Portsmouth residents.
To keep us all safe, Pompey Street Space are asking the Council to;
- Widen narrow pavements in busy streets, so that people can keep two metres apart whilst walking, queuing, etc.
- Create a network of roads throughout the city that are cycle and pedestrian priority
- Create commuter cycle routes to allow people who usually travel by public transport to get quickly and safely to work by bike.
Local MP Stephen Morgan has long been an advocate of active travel and fully supports Pompey Street Space. He recently signed a collective letter to the local authority and raised the community campaign in the House of Commons. Stephen said, “Now it is up to government to seize the opportunity and ensure Portsmouth people can continue to use green travel free from fear and with confidence. That means putting an end to the piecemeal approach to transport infrastructure and allowing councils rapid access to new vital funds. I will continue to take action with others to promote greener travel and look forward to supporting the work of Pompey Street Space to make this vision a reality.”
The Council are making progress, with roads already closed to motor vehicles along Southsea seafront. They are also closing Charlotte Street from Landport View to Cascades Approach, Isambard Brunel Road from Station Street to Greetham Street (open for buses) and Guildhall Walk, from the junction of Alec Rose Lane to the junction of Spring Gardens as of this evening. Pompey Street Space are asking for measures using paint, plastic and planters to be implemented faster though.
Cycle-Works has worked with Portsmouth City Council on a number of local cycling initiatives, including supplying over 100 Lock2Me branded cycle racks around the city, Josta Pergola bike shelters in Commercial Road and outside Waitrose in Southsea, 20 Velo-Safe bike lockers by the Hovercraft Terminal and 50 Velo-Safe lockers at QA Hospital. We have also supported events like Pedal Portsmouth Glow Ride.
Cycle-Works are urging you to sign the Pompey Street Space petition, and be part of the active travel revolution; https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/pompeystreetspace
Pompey Street Space is a joint campaign by Portsmouth Friends of the Earth, Portsmouth Cycle Forum, Let Pompey Breathe, XR Portsmouth, Portsmouth Green Drinks, and Portsmouth Playing Out.
