GET ON YOUR BIKE: Cycle more to ease '˜pressure' on road system, say council

A Chesterfield-wide cycle network is needed to address the town's transport problems.

Roadworks currently underway on Derby Road form part of an ambitious Chesterfield-wide cycle path scheme.

The ‘A61 cycle corridor’ is part of a long-term plan to create a network of cycle paths across north-east Derbyshire and encourage residents to cycle around the region rather than use their cars.

A Derbyshire County Council spokesman said: “We’re working to embrace and encourage the continued rise in the number of people who are cycling as a healthier and more sustainable way of travel and have already invested over £3m in our Chesterfield area cycling network.

Roadworks on Derby Road in Chesterfield.

“Chesterfield is no different to many modern day towns and cities which are experiencing increased pressure on their transport networks, without the space or funding to develop large-scale new road projects which might previously have been the case.

“The A61 project is part of our wider scheme which will eventually link all four corners of the town for cyclists.

“We know there is already pressure on the A61 corridor, particularly at peak times, and it will be added to by new developments including Peak Resort, Waterside, The Avenue and housing at Clay Cross.

“The work we are carrying out will maintain the existing network for cars, lorries, and other vehicles, and make it a far more attractive proposition for residents and visitors to get on their bikes.”

Once the new network is complete, residents will be able to cycle to places such as Chesterfield Royal Hospital, the Proact Stadium and Markham Vale without ever riding on a road.

The network also includes future developments, such as ‘The Avenue’ further down Derby Road, which could add another thousand cars to local roads. Work to create the A61 cycle corridor began last month and is expected to take another two weeks.

When it is complete, cyclists and pedestrians will have right of way at Trevorrow Crescent, Redvers Buller Road and Lord Roberts Road.

It is hoped that drivers will instead use Baden Powell Road, reducing the amount of traffic using the three roads as a ‘rat run’ from Park Road to Derby Road.

An artists impression of how the Trevorrow Crescent junction will look.

As part of the changes, signalling work will also be done on the lights at the entrance to the Alma Leisure Park further up Derby Road.

For the duration of the work, cars will be prevented from turning right into and out of the complex.