A light segregation scheme, where cyclists are separated from traffic by a series of lane defenders will be trialled along a 300 metre stretch of Maes-y-Coed Road.  The lane defenders act as a physical deterrent, preventing vehicles from entering the cycle lane and provide a safer, alternative route for cyclists travelling in the Caerphilly Road area. 

On Cathedral Road, the current traffic lights at the junction with Talbot Street and Sophia Close are being upgraded, introducing low-level cycle signals and trialling a 4 second head-start for people on bikes. The aim is to help cyclists travelling straight ahead through the junction avoid conflict with motor vehicles turning right. Pedestrian crossings will also be introduced allowing walkers to safely cross Talbot Street and Sophia Close.

Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, Cllr Caro Wild, said:  “Schemes of this nature have never been done before in Cardiff, so we’ll be listening closely to the feedback we receive, with a view to potentially rolling this type of infrastructure out to other areas of the city.”

“Cycling already takes a 33 mile tailback off our roads every day and we know that 57% of people in Cardiff would like to start riding a bike or cycle more – the easier and safer we can make cycling, the more likely people are to leave their cars at home.

“There’s clearly a lot more work to be done to realise our vision of making Cardiff a world class cycling city, but these pilot schemes, together with the forthcoming introduction of a city-wide cycle hire scheme, the plans for a city centre cycle hub and a network of cycle superhighways, show that cycling really is at the heart of our transport plans for Cardiff.”

In addition to these pilot schemes, the council will also be upgrading the cycling infrastructure through North Road car park, relocating the existing cycle route to the rear of the car park and widening it to create a fully segregated cycle track. Toucan crossings¹ will also be introduced at the junction with Corbett Road, making it easier and safer for pedestrians and cyclists to cross North Road.

The work on North Road is scheduled to begin in early Spring following a competitive tender process, and is expected to be completed during the summer.

Work on Maes-y-Coed Road is expected to be completed in March with the Cathedral Road improvements finished during April.

¹ A toucan crossing allows pedestrians and cyclists to cross together – since “two can” cross they are known as toucan crossings.