The pop-up cycle lane in Winckley Square is set to be removed, following a reduction in traffic in the area.

In June, Lancashire County Council created the pop-up cycle lane as part of measures to help social distancing, and to encourage people to walk and cycle for regular journeys, to help reduce the spread of Covid-19 as the city centre began to reopen.

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The pop-up cycle lane was designed to make cycling easier by separating cyclists from other traffic using bollards and water barriers.

In addition a number of roads have been partially closed to vehicles to reduce traffic levels, making it easier for people to cycle on short journeys.

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These schemes have been monitored, and a review has shown a reduction of approximately 45 per cent in traffic flows in Winckley Square since the introduction of point closures on Fishergate, including at the junction with Chapel Street.

A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council said: “With reduced traffic flows in this area helping to create a safer and more pleasant environment for walking and in particular cycling, the pop-up cycle lane on Winckley Square can now be removed.

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“Point closures on Fishergate, including on Chapel Street, will remain in place. This will enable vehicles to continue to access the full length of the road to reach homes and businesses via diversion routes, while preventing them being used as rat-runs where more suitable routes are available for through-traffic.”

County Councillor Keith Iddon, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “The measures we have been putting into place, working closely with Preston City Council, seem to be working well in terms of making it easier for people to travel more sustainably.

“We know that many people across Lancashire are keen to cycle for short journeys, including shopping and working in their local centres. We are now satisfied that the reduced traffic coming into Winckley Square will mean that people can do this in a safer more enjoyable way without the need for specific cycle lanes.

“However, we will continue to monitor and review all of these temporary measures as part of our response to the coronavirus crisis.”

Read more: Local lockdown expected ‘in the next few days’

To find out more about walking and cycling across Preston, visit the Lancashire County Council website.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

Have you been walking or cycling more throughout lockdown? Let us know in the comments below.