Improvements for cycling and walking in Gateshead

The government has asked local councils to look at what temporary steps they can take quickly to further encourage cycling after seeing a substantial increase in the popularity of cycling during since the lockdown, with far greater numbers of people cycling both for pleasure and for commuting. 
 
We know we need to improve cycling and walking links between Gateshead and Newcastle and the Quays. At the moment, the roads around the town centre of Gateshead act as a barrier to both walking and cycling and we receive constant calls from the public to improve cycling and walking routes. 

The changes we are introducing will therefore allow the creation of new temporary cycle and improved pedestrian routes in Gateshead town centre.

The changes we're making

All of these changes will be funded by government grant. 

Our current programme means that the road works associated with these changes will begin on 26 July with a view to the new routes being in place by mid-September. They are funded and designed as temporary measures but we're already being asked for ideas as to what further measures we should fund as a permanent solution. 

We need to improve cycling and walking links between Gateshead and Newcastle and the Quays. 

The roads around the town centre of Gateshead act as a barrier to both walking and cycling. 

We plan to create new temporary cycle and improved pedestrian routes in Gateshead town centre.

Download a map of the road changes (PDF, 2 MB)(opens new window)

We will be monitoring the impact these works have over time. 

Ochre Yards options appraisal

During our consultations on our experimental cycling and pedestrian improvements in Gateshead Town centre, a number of potential changes to the highway were suggested. We agreed to consider them and then explain why they could or could not be implemented. View the suggestions and our appraisal of them.

Why we are doing this

We have known for some time that the popularity of cycling, especially commuting, is growing and that Gateshead's present cycle infrastructure is a significant barrier to further growth. 

There has been a rapid and significant increase in the popularity of cycling during lockdown, suggesting there is a large unmet demand for more and better cycling facilities. 
 
With the present social distancing measures, capacity on public transport is restricted and travelling in large groups is unpopular. Cycling and walking are by far the healthiest and safest ways to get around during the current pandemic and efforts should be made to enable more people to do so. 
 
There will be significant environmental benefits from proposed works. Gateshead has a serious problem with air pollution generated by heavy traffic and the council has been required by the government to take steps to reduce vehicle use on Gateshead's roads. These measures will therefore form part of Gateshead's contribution to the introduction of Tyneside's Clean Air Plan in 2021. 

Other improvements

We are intending to improve cycle routes around the Metro Centre and Team Valley. Further details will follow shortly. 
 
If you have any suggestions as to what else we should be doing to improve cycling and walking in Gateshead, please visit Widen my path (opens new window) and let us know. We will review your suggestions and use them to inform future funding bids.
 
We now have a love to ride app (opens new window) that gives you information on cycling in Gateshead and ties in with offers from local business to make it as easy as possible to cycle and walk. 

We are also running a bike amnesty, so any old bikes you no longer use can be donated to those who would like to take up cycling, and we are providing the opportunity for business to get bike stands installed.  Visit Cycling in Gateshead for more information.

Traffic changes in Gateshead town centre - question and answer session