Evening Chronicle – 15 May 2020 (by Daniel Holland)

The temporary plans include one-way walking routes, markings on the ground to indicate a safe two metre distance, the removal of benches, and new cycle lanes.

Dramatic changes to Newcastle city centre have been revealed to make sure people can maintain social distancing as lockdown is eased.

Newcastle City Council bosses have revealed an initial set of measures, which will start coming into force next week, to give cyclists and pedestrians extra space as workplaces and shops begin to open again in the coming weeks.

Sally Watson, of the Newcastle Cycling Campaign, said: “We’re delighted to see these ambitious proposals which will make Newcastle a safer place to live and travel in during this incredibly worrying time – not least for our key workers who are already putting themselves at risk and who need safe ways to get to work. 

“We know from our members that safe space for walking and cycling is desperately needed on Queen Victoria Road and other routes into the city centre. 

“Making more space for walking and cycling, while supporting our vital public transport system, is also key to making sure that our city can recover from this crisis and flourish as a healthy city. We believe that the changes to Grey Street in particular will be transformative for the public and for businesses.

For the full article, go to: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/grey-street-walk-cycle-lockdown-18256404