The Spot – Transforming Cities Project Part 2

 

Written by Murray:

Here are two more ideas I put forward to The Spot – Transforming Cities Project.

No cycling along the pedestrianised St Peters Street

I’ve heard that a cycle lane along St Peters Street might be implemented. I wouldn’t do this. I would try to keep the centre of Derby pedestrianised. There must be clear signs for cyclists to dismount and park their bikes. No cyclists cycling along the pedestrianised areas, only along the main roads through Derby.

If I may, I’ll explain what happened to me one sunny afternoon in Derby. I was walking along St Peters Street, close to NatWest and the now closed BHS. Someone was walking the other way, not paying attention to where they were going by looking at their phone. I side-stepped to make room for them. Without realising, a cyclist was coming from behind me. They swerved and just missed going into the back of me.

This could have been a really bad injury. If we therefore encourage cyclists to park just outside the main shopping areas in Derby, e.g., in the Matalan car park, and encourage cyclists to dismount and walk with their bikes in the pedestrianised areas, the chances of injuries to pedestrians are reduced.


Could traffic wardens do more?

Another idea could be that traffic wardens do more to deter car thieves. Could they challenge suspicious groups or individuals? Make a call to the camera security team or contact Derbyshire Police?

I’ve parked my car twice in the same area along Babington Lane and found that someone had tried to break into my car, pulling the door handle clean-off twice.

I think traffic wardens could keep in contact with the camera security team and challenge or report suspicious activity.