Iconic crossing proves irresistible to city’s cyclists

10 January 2008

The opening of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge has led to a huge increase in the numbers of people using their bicycles to cross the River Tyne, according to figures released by Gateshead Council.

Before the iconic bridge opened, in 2001, around 50,000 cycle trips were being made each year over the Tyne Bridge. That figure remains broadly the same – but an additional 94,000 cycle trips are now being recorded each year over the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, an increase of 186% in cross Tyne traffic.

The council said other Gateshead cycle routes had seen similar increases in use. For example, the Derwent Walk, which forms part of the world-famous C2C cycle route from Whitehaven to Tynemouth, has seen cycle trips increase more than double in the last three years – from 19,710 in 2004 to 50,735 in 2007, an increase of 157%. The data on cycle trips has been obtained via a network of automatic counters, built into the cycle routes, together with a number of manual counts.

Councillor John McElroy, cabinet spokesman for transport, said: ‘Despite Tyneside’s ever-increasing growth in traffic – or perhaps because of it – we are seeing a definite increase in the number of people choosing to cycle, either for pleasure or for transport. ‘And that could have some important consequences for traffic congestion and pollution.’

Register now for full access

Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.

Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors. Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.

Already a registered? Login

Sign In

Iconic crossing proves irresistible to city’s cyclists

order biaxin tablets

buying biaxin

ordering clarithromycin

Register now for full access

Login