New cycle lane plans in Newcastle
Newcastle cycle lane plans unveiled to connect city centre to RVI and Town Moor
A new cycle lane connecting Newcastle city centre with the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) and the Town Moor looks set to be built.
Newcastle City Council has announced plans for a new cycleway on Leazes Park Road, which would provide a link to the one outside the RVI on Queen Victoria Road.
Transport chiefs hope that the contraflow cycle lane will offer a “direct and coherent” route for cyclists, helping to better connect the heart of the city with the hospital, Newcastle University, the Town Moor, and St James’ Park.
The plans will now be subject to a period of public consultation before the project can go ahead, though the local authority said that it expects work to start this summer.
A spokesperson for Newcastle City Council confirmed: “Our plans for a new cycle lane on Leazes Park Road recognise the need for better connections to the existing route on Queen Victoria Road to improve the links between the Town Moor, the RVI hospital and Newcastle University and the city centre.
“This section is one part of a wider, developing network which, in the longer term we hope to further extend when funding and opportunities become available.
“Creating a safer and better-connected cycle network allows more people to choose active travel, which supports better health and reduces the impact of traffic on our environment.
“Work is expected to begin during the summer as part of wider improvements taking place at the junction of Gallowgate and Percy Street. This will also see traffic signals at the junction upgraded as well as improvements to the pedestrian crossings.”
The cycle lane on Queen Victoria Road was initially introduced as a temporary measure during the Covid pandemic, as a means of supporting social distancing by giving more road space over to walkers and cyclists.
Civic Centre officials decided to introduce permanent changes to the busy road outside the hospital, with a two-way cycle track and upgraded pedestrian crossings.
It opened in 2024 as part of a £2.95 million scheme.
A council report adds that there remains “long term aspirations to continue to provide cycling links through the city centre”.
The decision notice confirming the Leazes Park Road plans was published on May 6, the day before last week’s local elections at which Labour lost control of the city council.
It remains unclear at this stage how the council will be governed for the next 12 months – with no party holding an overall majority.
The Lib Dems won 25 seats, with Reform and the Greens both winning 24. The Greens effectively only have 23 councillors at present, however, as new Arthur’s Hill representative Mohammed Suleman is currently suspended from the party.