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Press Releases
Inside Out West investigates plans for pedal powered traffic wardens in Bristol
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Traffic wardens on bicycles could soon be patrolling the streets of Bristol looking out for inconsiderate motorists who block cycle lanes.
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The idea has come from Bristol's "cycling champion", councillor Terry Cook, as the city council works out how it is going to spend the money it has been given by the Government to become the UK's first cycling demonstration city.
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Earlier this year, Bristol won a competition to be awarded Β£11.4m of Government money, which the council is match funding to create an investment pot of nearly Β£23m.
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The money will be used to persuade more of us to get on our bikes.
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The plans include a bike hire scheme, modelled on a similar project in Paris, as well as new cycle lanes and more cycle proficiency training for children.
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In this week's edition of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's regional current affairs series, Inside Out West, architect and cycling campaigner George Ferguson investigates Bristol's plans.
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George is concerned that the council may not have the determination and courage to force through changes that could be unpopular with motorists.
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To get an idea of what could be achieved he travels to the Dutch city of Groningen where more than half of all journeys are now made by bike.
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In the late Seventies, Groningen was much like Bristol is now, with cars ruling the road and cyclists condemned to the gutter.
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But then the city set about a radical transformation, investing a similar amount of money to Bristol. They ripped up some of the roads and built a network of largely traffic-free cycle lanes.
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In the centre of the city, cars were removed altogether and replaced with a relaxed space for bicycles and pedestrians.
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A specially designed bike park was built at the railway station with 5,000 bike racks.
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At first there was resistance from some local businesses who were concerned about restraining motorists but now there is a clamour for the "cyclisation" to go even further.
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Cycling in Groningen is safe and popular.
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Back in Bristol, George is wondering if Bristol can be just as bold with its plans.
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Councillor Terry Cook tells him: "I think we've got to win the argument with the motorists as well. As you and I know, as soon as you close a road you're going to get objections to it and we've got to win those arguments. I don't think that's going to be done without some degree of pain."
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But the council insists it won't shy away from taking radical steps.
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It is holding an on-line consultation with people who live in Bristol, asking them what measures would persuade them to get on their bikes and leave the car behind.
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The consultation continues until the end of October.
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Inside Out West is on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One in the West region at 7.30pm on Wednesday 8 October.
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It can also be seen on the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ iPlayer for seven days after the original transmission.
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Dave Barrett's phone-in on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Bristol will be tackling some of the issues raised by the film at 9.00am on Thursday 9 October.
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Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Bristol Press Office
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