Bristol plans a new bike lane and wider pavements to promote walking and cycling to the upcoming YTL Arena, addressing traffic worries from its location.
Originally, the arena was set for a site next to Bristol Temple Meads. Now, it will be at the former Filton Airfield, over five miles from the city center. Walking there would take about two hours, while cycling would take around 38 minutes. Bristol City Council hopes many will still choose to walk or cycle.
To support this, changes will be made along Charlton Road in Brentry, a key route to the airfield. The council consulted the public last spring, but the construction start date is still unclear. An update will be shared with councillors on February 6.
The plans for Charlton Road include segregated bike lanes, wider footpaths, and improved crossing facilities. These changes aim to promote active travel on event days and improve local health by encouraging exercise and reducing carbon emissions.
Parking restrictions will also be introduced to keep traffic lanes clear and ensure the bike route isn’t blocked. Most homes have off-road parking, and parking near shops will remain for local access.
The changes will stretch from the top of Charlton Road to the Pen Park Road roundabout. Some areas will have a two-way bike lane, while others will have shared paths for cyclists and pedestrians. This shared use has raised concerns among both groups.
Some survey respondents expressed worries about safety on shared paths. They feel clear markings are needed to separate cyclists and pedestrians. Others criticized the design, saying it doesn’t provide enough space for cyclists and could lead to dangerous situations.
