Cyclists to be allowed to cycle both ways on one way streets in Brighton's North Laine

Twelve one way streets in the North Laine area of Brighton are to be opened up for cycling in both directions following a decision taken by Brighton & Hove City Council's Environment, Transport and Sustainability Cabinet Member Meeting on Friday, 4 May, 2012.

Councillor Ian Davey, cabinet member for transport and the public realm, said: "This is designed to make the area easier for people to move around. It will address issues raised by local residents and businesses about cyclists who use pavements and twittens, by permitting people to cycle legally on the street. We will continue to work with the local community as the changes are rolled out. The council will be taking into consideration the views of the people who live and work in the North Laine when designing the contraflow so that it is safe and works well."
There were 36 letters of support for the proposal in response to the Traffic Regulation Order published last month and seven objections. Brighton & Hove City Council put forward the proposals in response to concerns from local residents and businesses. The move will discourage cycling on pavements and twittens, increase the city's cycle network and encourage more cycling.

Work will begin immediately and the council will meet with residents three months after the scheme has been completed to discuss how it is working and resolve any practical issues. There will also be an independent road safety audit.

Contraflow cycling already takes place in one-way streets in other parts of the country, including London and Cambridge, and elsewhere in Europe. Some streets in Brighton & Hove, including Church Street, Jubilee Street and New Road in the North Laine, also already permit two-way cycling on a one-way street.The streets covered are:

• Church Street (part of this street already has contraflow cycling)
• Foundry Street
• Gloucester Road
• Gloucester Street (part of the street)
• Kemp Street
• Kensington Place
• Kensington Street
• Over Street
• Queen's Gardens
• Robert Street
• Tidy Street
• Trafalgar Street

All currently have 20mph speed limits and signs and road markings will be used to ensure cyclists and other road users share the streets safely.
The council discussed the proposal with the North Laine Community Association and North Laine Traders Association as part of the consultation process.

Related information

Read the full report from the cabinet member meeting here (Agenda item no. 115):
Find out more about cycling in the city