What's needed for a cycle route, Sheffield - Dronfield - Chesterfield

Sheffield to Chesterfield – what’s needed.

(as promised in previous post)

Sheffield - Dronfield - Chesterfield rail services are set to improve with the introduction of Nottingham - Leeds services. With this a parallel cycle route is needed that will enable people to cycle along this busy commuter route, and mix'n'match with the rail service.

The implementation of the route will require co-operation between Sheffield City Council, Derbyshire County Council and local councils of Dronfield and Chesterfield.

Sheffield City Centre to Meadowhead has a signed route and Chesterfield Rd has some bus lanes/bike facilities, so unlikely to make any further progress here for a while (completion of the route through Meersbrook Park would be useful)

Meadowhead “squareabout” is due to a refurb but this has been postponed by SCC.

An off-road route is needed between Meadowhead & Bowshaw.

Speed limit reductions are needed between Bowshaw and Dronfield, and between Dronfield and Chesterfield. Dronfield itself has a 20 mph speed limit although better enforcement of this is needed.

Sign Mill Lane in Dronfield as a cycle route & improve surface at southern end– avoiding busy section of road. Cycle Stands needed for visitors to GB cycles, the Sidings and the nature park.

Unstone – investigate alternative route following river and avoiding the railway bridge. Note that the Nationwide boatyard has closed, could lead to development, hence planning gain funding.

Sheepbridge – imporove conditions under railway bridges, remove ridiculous cycle calming measure in bike lane. If you want to slow someone down slow the traffic down!

A61 Roundabout (James’s cycle shop) Signage in centre of roundabout subway system to include

Route should be signed from both City Centres and the three Railway Stations.

Feeder routes should be identified that will enable access to the spinal route from residential areas.

Note that the journey time, for an experienced and confident road cyclist between Sheffield and Chesterfield is approximately one hour.