Derby City Cycle Network Development: Proposed new City Centre – Chaddesden - Spondon cycle route

The proposed cycle route development was examined by the Derby Cycling Group and assessed for its utility as a major arterial cycle route in Derby. Comments are provided in three sections covering the quality of the proposed cycle route, Derby Road cycle path plans and ASDA roundabout improvements.

1 Quality of Cycle Route provision

Basically the main part of the proposed cycle route between the footbridge over the A52 at end of Highfield Lane (Grid Ref 374361) and West Road in Spondon appears satisfactory providing the numerous kerb-steps are smoothed out and the entire route is comprehensively sign- posted. It is recognised that smoothing out of protruding kerbs and ridges may be well be part of the proposed upgrading of the various pedestrian footpaths along which the new route follows, but the need for doing this is emphasised in view of its importance to route quality. In particular attention is drawn to the following places:

1  entrance to the footbridge cutting at end of Highfield Lane (Grid Ref 374361)

2  both ends of cutting between Valley Road and Grant Road (Grid Ref 387364)

3  both ends of cutting between Sanderson Road and Dayton close (Grid Ref 391364)

4  where the existing footpath leading off Oregon Way joins with newly developed cycle path round the roundabout at Derby Road/Raynesway junction (Grid Ref 389359).

2 Derby Road A6005

A point of concern with the proposals arises with the cycle route provision along Derby Road between the roundabout at Raynesway junction and the one at ASDA entrance that provides access to the A52 Borrowash By-Pass. Having to cross Derby Road twice in order to proceed along it is seen as undesirable and the existing crossing arrangements outside the entrance to ASDA are decidedly cycle unfriendly. Both pedestrian and cyclist safety improvements are required here. It is recognised that the footpath along the north side of Derby Road may be too narrow for conversion to shared usage while the proposed cycle path along the south side may well present conflicts with existing bus shelters. It is suggested that consideration be given to the provision of on road cycle lanes along this section if only to reduce the need for cyclists having to make unnecessary road crossings.

3 ASDA Roundabout (Borrowash By Pass)

While this may not be strictly within the remit of the proposed development, the improvement/conversion of the existing footpaths round this roundabout would be a valuable enhancement to the cycle route network of the area. It would also help reduce a considerable barrier to cycling in the form of a dangerous roundabout. From Merchant Avenue, a footpath exists around the north side of the roundabout and there are already dropped kerbs in place to assist crossing the two slip roads onto/off the A52. By some minor improvements here, a safer access could be provided across this roundabout for cyclists going to the south side of Spondon. Similar upgrading on the south side of the roundabout could also be implemented for city bound cyclists.

John Stubbs, Ian Alexander, Alastair Johnson, Martin Quarton and Esther Wadsworth, Derby Cycling Group, July 2005

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