If you were asked to name one place that's more in thrall to the car than the UK, most people would say the USA. That's why, when American cities concerned about road safety, pollution and congestion have wanted to rebalance their roads to favour healthier and less polluting alternatives, they have had to make their case in very strong terms. This has resulted in studies that show the impact of pedestrian and cycling improvements on safety as well as on travel preferences, on house prices and on Read more [...] Can protected cycle lanes be good for business?
If you were asked to name one place that's more in thrall to the car than the UK, most people would say the USA. That's why, when American cities concerned about road safety, pollution and congestion have wanted to rebalance their roads to favour healthier and less polluting alternatives, they have had to make their case in very strong terms. This has resulted in studies that show the impact of pedestrian and cycling improvements on safety as well as on travel preferences, on house prices and on Read more [...] 
Another packed SPACE for Gosforth event took place on Wednesday 27 January. This time people came to hear Professor Mark Tewdwr-Jones talk about the City Futures project, and how Newcastle might look in 2065.
One of the project aims is to encourage people to ask what's the future for city, what kind of place do we want for ourselves and our children? Part of the research involved engagement and collaboration with over 2500 Newcastle residents and over 50 different public, private, community 
On Monday evening, three SPACE for Gosforth members met Councillor Henry Gallagher (who represents East Gosforth Ward) at Station Road. The meeting was organised at very short notice due to safety concerns raised by SPACE members relating to proposals for Station Road. A member of the infrastructure team from local cycling campaign group Newcycling was also able to attend to discuss issues relating to cycling.
SPACE members have concerns about these proposals however because Station Road, 
Imagine you are a child waking up on Boxing Day in Gosforth - yesterday you received the most wonderful Christmas present, a beautiful, shiny new bicycle. In your head, you are Sir Bradley Wiggins setting the hour record or Lizzie Armistead winning the rainbow jersey. But there is one problem. Where is there space in Gosforth for a child to ride?
A generation ago it was a common sight to see children riding in the street - and many parents are still nostalgic about riding their 
Judging by the 78 responses to the ‘Broadway to Brunton Lane’ consultation most people agree with the aims of the scheme, not least the prospect of a cycle lane safe for children to use, though there are a few details to work through.
This is a summary of what people said.
As we said in our previous article here the current road layout is poor for those walking and cycling. Comments reflected this.
“I don't think most people realise just what an awful road this is now if you are 
Newcastle City Council has announced a consultation for new cycle lanes and other improvements to the Great North Road between Broadway and Brunton Lane, and is asking residents and visitors to provide comments on their proposals.
Currently this is a busy dual carriageway with frequent buses and fast-moving traffic: it is hard for pedestrians to cross and is largely unsuited to all but the bravest of cyclists. It is also the single main route into Brunton Park, Melton Park and the other 
Newcastle City Council are proposing improvements for the north of the city centre and are asking residents and visitors to provide comments on their proposals. The amount of traffic going into the city centre directly affects how much traffic we see (and how much pollution we breathe) on Gosforth’s streets. Providing safe and attractive alternatives in the city centre, such as improved cycling facilities or more reliable public transport, should also help reduce traffic and pollution in Gosforth.
SPACE 
Gosforth High Street is one of the busiest, most polluted streets in Newcastle. It is also a busy shopping centre in a neighbourhood with a high proportion of families and older people – exactly those most at risk from the effects of air pollution.
There are a number of ways to deal with these risks, falling broadly into four categories:
1) Replacing or upgrading existing vehicles to run on less polluting fuels or have more efficient engines.
2) Managing traffic flow to minimise stopping