Active Travel Fund - Dame Dorothy Street - Two-Way Cycle Lane

Update 13/05/2024

The project to install a two-way cycle lane that will link Sunderland's seafront to the city centre is set to get underway this month.

Work is due to start on a dedicated cycle lane along Dame Dorothy Street, which will connect to the new cycle lane running the full stretch of A183 Whitburn Road.

Sunderland City Council received funding from Active Travel England for the projects, which are using existing road space to separate pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles while maintaining the two-way flow of traffic on the roads.

Separating cyclists and pedestrians and installing a number of new pedestrian crossings at Whitburn Road is allowing more people to safely access key recreational hotspots like Roker Park and Cliff Park and help more visitors enjoy the city's natural assets like Roker and Seaburn beaches.

The latest phase of work will now see the segregated cycle path continue from Whitburn Road to Wearmouth Bridge.

While the work on Dame Dorothy Street is being carried out, a separate project to maintain the Harbour View Bridge in Roker will be carried out. The schemes will be carried out at the same time to minimise disruption to residents and visitors.

As part of Sunderland City Council's Local Walking and Cycling Improvement Plan (LCWIP), funding has been secured from Active Travel England (ATE) to enable construction of Dame Dorothy Street and European Way cycle routes. 

Work on the cycle lane will begin Monday 13 May and is expected to be completed in spring 2025.

Traffic Management arrangements will be put in place to help minimise disruption.

The Proposed Route

The two-way segregated cycle lane will run along a scenic stretch of Dame Dorothy Street starting at the iconic Bungalow Cafe on Roker Sea Front

The route will provide direct links to local landmarks such as:

Roker promenade
Roker Marina
St Peter's Church
St Peter's University Campus
City Centre

Additional features will include:

A physical separation between motorists, cyclists and pedestrians
Upgraded cycle and pedestrian crossing facilities
Secure cycle storage
New traffic signalised junction at Harbour View, creating safer pedestrian and cycle facilities linking to Whitburn Road

This cycle route offers numerous benefits for individuals and communities. Some of the main advantages include:

Reduced traffic congestion and air pollution by encouraging people to cycle instead of driving, which can help to reduce overall car use and carbon emissions
Enhanced safety for cyclists by providing dedicated cycle lanes, which can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries making cycling a safer and more attractive transport option
Improved health outcomes through increased physical activity

Overall, a well-designed cycle route can have numerous benefits for individuals, communities, and the environment, making it an important investment for many cities and towns.

Frequently asked questions

1. What are the timescales for delivering the scheme?

The works are planned to commence in Spring 2024

2. How will this scheme be funded?

The project is 100% externally funded from the Department for Transports' Active Travel Fund.

3. Can this money be spent on other projects?

No, this Government funding is for cycling infrastructure only.

4. What will happen to the traffic travelling along the route?

Two-way traffic flow will be maintained for motorists.

5. Will the proposed route impact on emergency vehicles using the road?

All of the Emergency services have been consulted as part of the proposals and have not raised any concerns.

6. Will existing parking bays be removed?