Southampton Street Space voices view over Bassett Avenue cycle lane

Campaign group Southampton Street Space described the decision to remove a pop-up cycle lane on Bassett Avenue as “very sad news”.

But they said they hope the city will learn from the trial.

The news comes as earlier this week Southampton City Council confirmed it will remove the temporary cycle lane between Winchester Road roundabout and Chilworth Road roundabout.

The measures had sparked concerns and a heated debate over the scheme which was introduced in May.

But the temporary cycle lane will be removed by September 3 following “a steady increase in traffic”.

In a statement, campaign group Southampton Street Space, said: “It is disappointing to lose a safe cycle route at this time but we understand that that Bassett Avenue bit is tricky because it is so close to the motorway junction. Safe, comfortable and direct active travel routes are needed for life, not just for lockdown!  Continuing with the status quo on our streets is no longer an option if we’re serious about addressing the crises of our age, the climate emergency, chronic air pollution and physical inactivity.  Southampton City Council have made great progress in recent years - addressing this need for change. We hope lessons have been learned from the trial, and this is just a minor setback in achieving the joined-up active travel corridors we so desperately need.”

The city council said it will be delivering a series of permanent schemes around Southampton as part of a three-year programme funded by the government.

The authority said this programme includes “a breadth of bold and ambitious projects” to prioritise sustainable travel in both residential areas and on key corridors into the city. 

The SCN5 corridor along The Avenue and Bassett Avenue forms “an important part of this programme”, the council said.ett Avenue forms “an important part of this programme”, the council said.