This is Nottingham: On the right route for cyclists in city

I find the prospect of cycling in the city centre just too daunting. And I’m not alone. Like me, Coun Emma Dewinton gave up her using her bike shortly after moving to Nottingham.”I think I’m fairly typical of residents who would like to cycle, but don’t,” she said. Together with Coun Dewinton, I joined a group led by Hugh McClintock from campaigners Pedals who rode off to find out what cyclists faced in the city. Our first stop was Hockley, which neatly illustrated concerns over a lack of clear signing. I walk along the pedestrian priority route every day, but still had no idea cyclists are allowed to travel through it in both directions.

It seems the fading cycle lane painted on the ground is intended to be contraflow. It was easy to understand why drivers would not expect cyclists to travel against the one-way system.

Next we headed up Lower Parliament Street, Even trailing behind Barry Horne, corporate director for environment and regeneration and himself a keen cyclist, I felt quite vulnerable in the bus lane.

Like many in the group, I didn’t even know cyclists are allowed to travel in bus lanes.

Chris Carter, the council’s team leader on transport strategy, admitted: “It’s OK for confident cyclists but probably isn’t for less confident cyclists.”

Next I hesitantly followed the group down Clumber Street - apparently cyclists are allowed down here too, along with most pedestrianised areas in the city centre, including - for the benefit of the elderly woman who tutted me as I rode past - Long Row.

However, despite a near miss where I almost got my wheels stuck in a tram track, I managed to make it back to the office in one piece.

After being shown routes including Castle Road, Castle Boulevard and the canal, Coun Dewinton, for one, said she intended to use her bike more often.

“Most importantly for me now is meeting up with Barry Horne, and discussing the issues highlighted,” she said.

“We need to do everything we can to help and encourage more residents to cycle.”

A meeting is due to take place this month to look at the issues raised, ahead of a possible new cycle strategy.