Cycle lane plans a waste of money, says MP
Sheffield South East MP Clive Betts has urged Sheffield City Council to abandon part of its Connecting Sheffield regeneration scheme in Attercliffe, calling it a “complete waste of money”. He argues that the planned cycle lane takes up road and parking space, disrupts local businesses and leads nowhere useful. The dispute matters as the council aims to bring new homes and jobs to the area.
Work began in February to improve routes between Darnall and Attercliffe, the city centre and Meadowhall, with cycle lanes, crossings and parking restrictions planned. FryMaster takeaway worker Jodie said trade remained very quiet five months into the works and staff hours had been cut. CycleSheffield’s Nat Zimmermann said disruption should be reduced and the work completed quickly, arguing the route will connect to wider cycle links and also improve crossings, pavements and bus journeys.
In short
- Clive Betts wants part of the Attercliffe road scheme stopped.
- A local takeaway says trade is still quiet and staff hours have fallen.
- CycleSheffield says the scheme will connect to wider routes and improve access.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The council’s scheme could make Attercliffe safer and easier to reach by connecting it to wider cycle routes, while improving crossings, pavements and bus journeys for people who do not cycle. Better transport links may also support the area’s planned homes and jobs, so temporary disruption could be justified if the work delivers lasting benefits.
The case against
The works are taking road and parking space and may be hurting businesses already facing quiet trade and reduced staff hours. If the cycle lane is poorly connected or brings little practical benefit to local people, the cost and disruption may not be justified, and the council should reconsider the plan.