PRESS RELEASE
MILLENNIUM BRIDGE SPARKS
HUGE INCREASE IN CYCLING
The opening of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge has led to a huge increase in the numbers of people using their bicycles to cross the River Tyne, according to figures released by Gateshead Council.
Before the iconic bridge opened in 2001, around 50,000 cycle trips were made each year over the Tyne Bridge. Whilst that figures remains broadly the same today, an additional 94,000 cycle trips are now being recorded each year over the Gateshead Millennium Bridge - an increase of 186% in cross Tyne traffic.
Other Gateshead cycle routes have seen similar increases in use.The Derwent Walk, which forms part of the world famous C2C cycle route from Whitehaven to Tynemouth, has seen cycle trips increase more than double in the last three years - from 19,710 in 2004 to 50,735 in 2007, an increase of 157%.
The Keelman’s Way along the riverside from Hebburn to the River Derwent has also seen a large increase in cycle trips by both commuters and leisure cyclists. Since 2004, the number of cycle trips have risen from 23,725 to 37,230 in 2007 - an increase of 57%.
The East Gateshead Cycleway, which links White Mare Pool with Gateshead town centre, has seen cycle trips rise from 10,950 in 2004 to 12,410 in 2007, an increase of 13%.
The data on cycle trips has been obtained via a network of automatic counters built into the cycle routes, together with a number of manual counts.
Councillor John McElroy, Cabinet spokesman for Transport and himself a keen cyclist, says: “The Gateshead Millennium Bridge has made a major contribution to the region’s skyline – but I’m absolutely delighted that it seems to be making a major contribution to the region’s health and fitness, too!”
“Despite Tyneside’s ever-increasing growth in traffic – or perhaps because of it - we are seeing a definite increase in the number of people choosing to cycle, either for pleasure or for transport. That could have some important consequences for traffic congestion and pollution.
“Cycling over the Gateshead Millennium Bridge remains one of the most memorable things you can do, which is perhaps why more and more people are choosing to do it. It’s a rare pleasure which I urge everyone to try!”
In 2000, a Tyne and Wear wide survey found that 92.9% of the population were in favour of creating safe routes for cyclists and walkers, and 63.8% thought local councils should improve the facilities for cyclists. Since then, Gateshead Council, along with other Tyne and Wear councils, have been actively extending and improving their cycle networks.
Between 2004 and 2007, the number of journeys made by bicycle in Tyne and Wear has increased by 21%.
E N D S
From:
Iain Lynn, Communications,
Gateshead Council (0191) 433 2072
e-mail: iainlynn@gateshead.gov.uk
