Plans for new cycle route to link east with town

Wednesday 28 July 2021

A new cycle lane running along Georgetown Road and Don Road is being proposed to link the east of the island with town.

As part of the proposed pilot, a contra-flow cycle lane – which allows cyclists to ride in the opposite direction of traffic - would run from Georgetown to Mont Millais junctions while a with-flow cycle lane would be set up in the opposite direction.

The pilot scheme will reallocate road space to create the lanes in both directions, whilst maintaining an eastbound traffic lane.

The proposed contra-flow cycle lane will be separated to protect cyclists, while the with-flow lane will be marked by dashed lines so vehicles can enter if necessary.

Pictured: A view of what is being proposed in the Georgetown area.

There will be connections at each end of the cycle lanes to allow safer access.

Before work starts on the pilot cycle lane, a public consultation has been launched so that islanders can look at the plans and share their views. A further consultation will follow during the pilot to get feedback on the success of the cycle lanes.

“As part of the Sustainable Transport Policy, the Government are committed to creating a network of safer travel options for cyclists and walkers, which includes a real focus on making St. Helier safer and more accessible for cyclists to help reduce the volume of cars travelling into town,” Deputy Kevin Lewis, the Minister for Infrastructure, said.

Pictured: A view of the lane on Don Road.

“Encouraging more people to use active travel to get into town not only reduces traffic and congestion but promotes better health outcomes and reduces pollution.

“Please take this opportunity to give your feedback on the proposed new scheme. This project highlights the importance of connectivity and safety, it supports our overall Sustainable Transport goals as we seek to improve the health and wellbeing of all Islanders embarking on greener ways to travel.”

The scheme will be regularly reviewed and after a year, if deemed successful, it will be developed into a permanent scheme and connect to other cycling improvements in the future.

Meanwhile, cyclists will be allowed to pedal on Royal Court Road from 17:00 to 09:00 everyday and at the weekend as part of a trial linking Church Street and Hill Street.

So far just communication via email and copy of onsite poster (showing cyclist going the opposite way to the arrows...) All very unsatisfactory pic.twitter.com/Fu7Ol3RN9x

— Geraint Jennings (@GeraintJennings) July 24, 2021

The trial follows the creation of a contra-flow cycle lane along Hill Street earlier this year as part of a year-long trial.

According to a poster near the site, the scheme will be monitored to see if further safety measures are needed while any feedback from islanders will be reviewed to see if adjustments are needed.

Pedestrians will have priority at all times on the Square and the link might be suspended during events.

“This link will help to reduce barriers to cycling in St. Helier by providing cyclists with a safer and more convenient route when travelling from west to east through the town centre, avoiding the need to go through the tunnel or diverting around current town one-way systems,” the poster notes.

Earlier this year, Infrastructure Minister Deputy Kevin Lewis said he hoped the changes on Hill Street would enable cyclists to more easily access town from the east of the island or reach St. Saviour schools without having to go through the Tunnel or around Mount Bingham.