Plan to open restricted city street to through-cyclists

Changes to the rules at a central Hereford street could turn it into a handy cut-through for cyclists – while still preventing motorists from doing the same.

Through traffic, including bicycles, is currently banned from the entire length of Friars Street, from Barton Road at the closed St Nicholas’ Church, to the A438 Eign Street near the Spa Motors showroom, as well as from the adjoining Cross Street and Old Mill Close.

This is indicated by by the “No Vehicles” signs at the entrance, comprising a blank white disc with a red border – which some drivers find perplexing.

The council’s proposal says the current restriction is for reasons of road safety as well as the “amenity of the area”, while preventing drivers using Friars Street “as a through route”.

The proposed Variation Oder to it would allow bicycles to use the length of Friars Street as an alternative to the dual-carriageway A49 Victoria Street which runs parallel.

Residents, their visitors and delivery drivers would “continue to utilise the road as usual”, the council’s proposal adds.

It is taking views on the idea via its website until March 13.

Herefordshire Council is meanwhile preparing a Local Cycling, Walking and Wheeling Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for the county, following a period of public consultation.

The most popular policy options to emerge from this are to “designate and enhance quiet lanes”, and to “create and improve off-highway routes”.