Campaigners feel ignored in pursuit of safer Norwich roads

A total of six cyclist deaths in Norfolk this year and a series of crashes involving cyclists prompted campaigners to write to the county council demanding action.

However, after two more incidents along Ipswich Road - which was recently revamped with new cycle lanes - and another cyclist hurt in a collision with a car in Earlham Road, those fighting for safer roads feel their cries are falling on deaf ears.

Norfolk County Council, however, say that any changes to roads "need to balance the needs of all users".

Liam Calvert, Green Party councillor for Wensum Ward, said Norfolk County Council are determined not to listen to advice on making the City's roads safer (Image: Newsquest)

Liam Calvert, Green party city councillor for the Wensum ward, said: "As a city we seem to be cursed to have the same half-measure road schemes imposed on us time after time, by the Conservative county council, who are determined not to listen to advice. 

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"Almost every time a good-quality project to improve cycle safety is designed, it gets watered down to the point that most of the safety benefit is lost.

A recent accident in Ipswich Road on October 9 near City College Norwich (Image: Robin Barker)

"In the case of Ipswich Road, the decision was taken to replace bike lanes with parking on sections of the route, forcing people on their way to City College to squeeze between parked cars and busy traffic.

"The city has a great deal to gain by increased safe cycling but that can never happen while projects prioritise driving, putting everyone else in danger."

Peter Silburn, chairman of Norwich Cycling Campaign, added: "The point of building good quality cycle infrastructure is to enable more people to cycle.

"If the cycle lanes are not continuous and do not offer a safe, attractive experience, they won't achieve this.

"At all stages in the design and construction in Ipswich Road, the cycle lanes have played second fiddle to cars.

Peter Silburn, chairman of Norwich Cycling Campaign said those cycling along City roads will risk getting seriously injured or killed (Image: Newsquest)

"Without investing in quality cycle infrastructure, people won't take up cycling and those that do will risk getting seriously injured or killed."

A spokesman for Norfolk County Council pointed out that the circumstances of the two incidents in Ipswich Road are yet to be determined and that further information would be reviewed.

They said: "All highway improvements need to balance the needs of all users, ensuring the busy college and nearby schools are still accessible by car and public transport, whilst improving conditions for walking and cycling.

"The scheme's design is supported by Active Travel England, was constructed as agreed by the Transport for Norwich Committee in January 2022 and not been altered, while undergoing a full safety audit - both pre and post-implementation."

Six white ghost bikes were created to symbolise the six cyclists who died this year on Norfolk Roads (Image: Claire Bullion)

On October 2, 70 postcards demanding action written by children and parents were handed to the county council's cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport Graham Plant.

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More than two weeks later and campaigners were still waiting for answers.

Fern Blevins, of Kidical Mass Norwich, said: "Graham Plant promised to read the messages and respond to us.

"It's been two weeks and we've heard nothing.

"Instead, he has chosen to re-open Exchange Street to cars.

Lotte, who attended the Kidical Mass ride and wrote a message for Graham Plant, shows her displeasure at not receiving a response (Image: Thomas Woods)

"How is this making our city safer for kids to get around, independently and safely, by bike?"

Mr Silburn added: "Graham Plant needs to be listening to the children of Norwich who want the freedom and independence of being able to safely get about their city by bike.

"Instead, by his decisions he is condemning them to a future of car dependence, road danger and polluted air."

Head of highways responds

While campaigners were frustrated at not receiving a response from councillor Graham Plant, after this newspaper got in touch with the council, Mr Plant provided an update on future meetings with the cycling groups.

Mr Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport at Conservative-controlled County Hall, said: "Safety will continue to be the most important factor we consider on our road network.

"The decision to reopen Exchange Street was based on concerns about the unsafe mix between people and vehicles, which couldn't continue.

The 70 postcards from children handed to Graham Plant, with Peter Silburn (left) and Paul Neale, Green Party county councillor (Image: Stuart Beard)

"We have secured millions of pounds in funding through the Transforming Cities Fund and Active Travel Fund which is making it easier for people to travel using more sustainable modes of transport.

"We will meet with the local cycling groups to discuss their concerns as we continue to find ways to make it safer and easier to get around the city."