INSITE June 2021: What more can be done to make cities great for cycling?

What more can be done to make cities great for cycling?

Lockdown proved that cycling is great for our cities. But what can be done to make cities great for cycling? Carter Jonas’ Steve Morris addresses this increasingly relevant question.

An indisputable silver lining to the COVID-19 cloud has been clear streets and clean air – ideal circumstances in which to enjoy more sustainable forms of transport. And so it is no surprise that cycling increased by as much as 300% during the first lockdown.

Steve Morris is a development consultant in Carter Jonas’ office in Bristol – a city which, despite having the steepest residential street in England, has more cycling commuters than any other UK city. In Bristol, a study by Strava found that 29 in every 1,000 people commute to work by bike.

Steve, a keen cyclist, describes the city’s close connection with cycling and looks ahead to its post-pandemic future.

“Cycling must be built into every new development, every Local Plan and Transport Plan.”

‘Since being named the UK’s first ‘cycling city’ by the Department for Transport in 2008, Bristol has been recognised as one of Europe's most bike-friendly destinations,’ says Steve. In 2019 it was ranked 17th best cycling city in the world, sharing the top of the league table with flatter northern European cities such as Utrecht, Antwerp, Copenhagen and Amsterdam.

‘But more than anything, the last year has been transformational,’ continues Steve. ‘Lockdown was utopia for cyclists, with fewer cars, cleaner air and cycling providing a great alternative to the gym. Despite twice as many bicycles on the roads, conditions were safer and people enjoyed exercising in the spring sunshine.

‘This was helped by the introduction of temporary cycle lanes and experimental traffic orders. Car parks at two large city centre offices were transformed to make space for bikes.’

The impact was a reduction of the traffic pollutant nitrogen dioxide by up to 76% in May 2020, compared to the previous year. Oxides of nitrogen, which are also produced directly from exhaust emissions, fell even further, by a maximum average of 86%.

Having committed to introducing a Clean Air Zone by October 2021, Bristol City Council will need to continue its upwards trajectory. But as we emerge from lockdown and cars and bicycles increasingly compete for space, can this be done – in Bristol and elsewhere?

‘Certainly the 2008 funding helped, providing investment in the UK’s first on-street bike rental network, a ‘re-cycling’ scheme which provides free bikes to deprived communities, showers, bike parking and lockers for commuters, dedicated cycle routes, free-to-use bike pumps and training for children.

‘The City Council is modifying street access. It has launched the Better by Bike initiative, invested in electric scooters and provided a £100,000 grant to a green logistics firm to create a delivery hub for a fleet of electric cargo bikes and trikes. The usual HGVs and vans will drop off goods before entering the city centre and the intention is that 95% of deliveries within the city centre will made by electric vehicles within 10 years.

‘Bristol recently appointed its first ‘bicycle mayor’ explains Steve. It’s not a paid role, and it’s independent from the City Council but it goes to show how much Bristolians value cycling.

Two bicycles parked against railings on Bristol's quayside with harbour and boats in the background

‘We’re also the home to Sustrans, of fixed gear biking, and Boikzmoind, which runs unofficial races around five chip shops in the city.

‘There are strong and effective lobbying groups: the Bristol Cycling Campaign has a five-point manifesto aimed at doubling cycling rates by 2024 through upgrades to the road network, the appointment an Active Travel Commissioner, the extension of the School Streets programme to all schools and suitable roads and the installation of 1,000 bike hangars across the city.

‘There’s Bristol Road Club which has programmes to encourages women and BAME groups. The extension of cycling into all sections of society is really catching on. Cycling Without Age Bristol is a non-profit organisation run by volunteers which provides free bicycle rides to local care home residents, thanks to a trishaw - a specially adapted, three-wheel cycle with a passenger cab. Warmley Wheelers gives people with supported needs the chance to get into cycling. And The Cycling Sisters encourages Muslim women to learn to ride a bike and conquer cultural barriers. The group is so popular that it has a waiting list.’

“The fact that the Mayor recognises the need for more progress is progress.”

These pioneering initiatives are not without their challenges. The introduction of electric bikes has met with criticism and during the first lockdown the considerable uptake of cycling led to cyclists being branded ‘Covidiots’, drawing pins sprinkled on roads and signage for cycle paths defaced.

Asked his opinion on Bristol as a Cycling City in the recent election campaign, the city’s Mayor commented that it was a ‘good title’.

‘The fact that the Mayor recognises the need for more progress is progress,’ says Steve. ‘But with the combination of national and regional funding and the momentum already generated by the local cycling community, Bristol will continue to show other cities how its done.’

What is the role of planning and development in encouraging cycling? ‘After half a century of car-centric planning, the opportunities are numerous. Infrastructure is key and we can’t ignore the potential negative impact of pedestrianisation on town centres. As with so much in the built environment, there is much that can be learnt from northern Europe.

‘Were there’s a political will, there is a way. But perhaps most importantly, cycling must be built into every new development, every Local Plan and Transport Plan, project by project but holistically too.’

It may be an uphill struggle, but Bristol is used to hills and seems keen to rise to the challenge.

“There is much that can be learnt from northern Europe.”

Bristol's quayside harbour

About our professionals

Steve Morris Partner

Steve Morris has specialised in development for 20 years, and in that time he has acted for housebuilders, charities, private landowners and developers on sites varying from replacement single dwellings to several hundred units with associated facilities.

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