During the summer, the council responded to the COVID-19 crisis by providing more space for walking and cycling on certain community roads to support social distancing. This included using temporary barriers to widen pavements and provide bike lanes. We have been flexible with our approach and we have been listening to suggestions from local people for improvements to support high streets and help people get around safely both during the pandemic and in the long-term.
The council has now secured further funding to provide more space for pedestrians and cyclists while public transport capacity is reduced. As a result, we are now looking for suggestions on how we can change a number of busy neighbourhood roads and high streets around the city, including Mina Road.
A short section of Mina Road between the railway tunnel and Mercia Drive already benefits from a protected cycle lane, which was installed temporarily last year in response to the pandemic. We are now looking for suggestions on how we can improve and build on the changes to:
- Maximise the community’s enjoyment of the area
- Make it easier to walk and cycle
- Make the area safer and more attractive to visit
- Ensure access for the local community and organisations
- Create safer crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists
- Create outdoor space for the community and businesses to enjoy
- Remove rat running/through traffic
- Reduce traffic volumes and speeds
- Improve the Concorde Way cycle route
- Reduce pollution and congestion
Last summer we suggested closing the northern exit of the mini roundabout to make the section of Mina Road between the roundabout and Minto Road access-only. However, changes to Mina Road could impact on other adjoining or nearby roads. Before drawing up any detailed designs we would first like your views on Mina Road so we can assess how to deliver the above benefits to the neighbourhood as a whole.
Possible changes to Mina Road or nearby roads could include:
- Closing roads at certain points to remove through traffic but retain access for residents, parking and deliveries
- One-way restrictions
- Change of traffic direction
- Restrict access between Mina Road and the M32
We are keen to hear local views on how the temporary changes have been working and what further changes could improve the street environment and benefit the whole community.
Below is a survey asking local people to think about Mina Road. What would you change about the street, what is working well and what could be improved? At this stage we are considering all ideas and feedback. There will be further communication regarding next steps in the coming months.