As part of the implementation of recommendations contained within the Sustainable, Traffic, Transport and Parking Plan, Govt have announced the first dedicated Cycle Lane along Main Street and Irish Town.
In an attempt to promote cycling as a sustainable mode of transport, the implementation of dedicated cycle lanes takes on board the feedback received throughout the consultation period of the STTPP that revealed that people would cycle more if there were more and better cycling facilities.
The encouragement of cycling is known to be an important factor to promote health and physical activity, improve air quality in places of high vehicle density and to alleviate traffic congestion. Also known to be one of the most efficient forms of transport with no resultant environmental impact, cycling is inexpensive and clean and has benefits for other road users.
As part of the roll out of the STTPP initiatives, this initial Pilot Scheme is a first step to attempt to develop a cycle route network as part of a wider process. The cycling lane will offer a designated route southbound via Main Street and northbound along Irish Town. Cyclists travelling southbound may take advantage of the scheme which commences at Casemates Gates; via Casemates Square and along Main Street with exit via Cathedral Square. In a northbound direction, the cycle lane allows cyclists to enter via John Mackintosh Square along the length of Irish Town with safe exit via Fish Market Road as shown in the route plan. Members of the public are advised that cycling is prohibited along connecting streets or roads that allow pedestrian access to Main Street and Irish Town.
The Cycle Lane will offer restricted operational times as follows:
Monday – Friday: 7pm – 9:15am
Saturday: 5pm – 9:15am
Sunday: 5pm – 9:15am
The directional routes of travel and operational times shall be shown by way of signage and road demarcations throughout Main Street and Irish Town.
Following the launch of this Pilot Scheme and as part of the ongoing review process, Govt have said it will continue to monitor the operational times.
Works to demarcate and sign the cycle lane commenced today, and will be ongoing throughout the following weeks. The Pilot Scheme becomes operational on Monday 6th August 2018 as from 7pm.
Cyclists are invited to join the Ministry of Infrastructure & Planning and our local Cycling Associations on a maiden cycling event that shall take place on Monday 6th August at 7pm. Those wishing to participate are welcomed to congregate at Casemates Square at 6pm, where information on the Pilot Scheme will be available. A RediBike stall will also be available for any persons wishing to register for free and try out a RediBike during the maiden cycle.
HM GoG will publish an Official Notice in advance of the 6th August, further explaining the cycle lane operational times, route and general cycling guidance and safety .
Cyclists are reminded that cycling along Main Street and Irish Town continues to be prohibited until such time as the scheme goes live on the 6th August.
The Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, The Hon Paul Balban said: “I am pleased to see the announcement and implementation of a key recommendation of the Sustainable Traffic, Transport and Parking Plan, to promote cycling throughout Gibraltar. The Pilot Scheme aims to promote cycling as a sustainable form of travel by implementing a dedicated cycle lane that shall provide a safe environment.”
