The new roundabout is designed to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists over vehicles, and is now set to open in mid-November

However, some locals have raised concerns that it may cause confusion.

Dexter Johnstone, from Cycle Sheffield, said: “The West Bar roundabout is an exciting new piece of infrastructure in Sheffield that will benefit people walking and cycling. Whilst these designs are common in the Netherlands, they are quite new in the UK.”

“The change of design will make it safer and easier to travel actively in the area by giving people walking and cycling priority over motor vehicles.”

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents noted that similar roundabouts in the Netherlands have decreased serious accidents by approximately 46%. 

The design at West Bar will include zebra crossings at each approach, giving pedestrians priority, and a dedicated cycle track that requires vehicles to yield to cyclists at all roundabout exits.

Construction began in April 2023, and the council has planned public information events to familiarise residents with the new layout before it opens.

This roundabout is part of Sheffield’s broader initiative to increase cycle paths and pedestrian-friendly areas, backed by a £21 million investment in the city centre. 

However, some local cyclists have voiced frustration over Sheffield’s approach to cycling infrastructure, calling it “half-hearted” and noting that isolated bike paths don’t address the need for a fully connected network. 

Cyclist Jeremy Lawrence said: “Underwhelmed is my response to the half-hearted cycling infrastructure trickled out painfully slowly by Sheffield City Council.”

“You need a full network of safe bike paths that are close to everyone—i.e., within a few hundred meters. Do that, and folk ride bikes everywhere.”

“Folk won’t rush to use bike paths in the center if they have to share dangerous roads with drivers to get to the few safe tracks.”

The South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard, has approved funding to improve walkability and cycling access in key areas like Fargate, Heart of the City, and The Moor. Restricting cars in these areas is also intended to make bus services more efficient.

Coppard said: “This project will give us more freedom in how we travel and support our goal of making South Yorkshire the healthiest region in the country.” 

He added that the city aims to develop more walking and cycling routes over the next three years to encourage active travel options.

Dexter Johnstone, from Cycle Sheffield, further said: “Cycle Sheffield engages with local politicians and local government officials to comment on transport proposals, to push for high standards in designs, and to encourage the local authority to be as ambitious as possible.”

“We are pleased to see the council starting to create better quality cycle infrastructure in Sheffield, which gives people better, cleaner, greener transport options.”

Among the planned changes is the widening of the footpath between Cross Burgess Street and The Moor to increase space for both pedestrians and cyclists. 

Surrey Street will become a pedestrian zone from Pinstone Street to Norfolk Street, and it will include a new cycle route connecting to Fargate. Additionally, Charles Street will be pedestrianized between Pinstone Street and Union Street.

Another local cyclist, Racheal Thompson, said: “The placement of the new design is good because it is a key part of the new route from the city center to Kelham. The previous design was not safe or attractive for people walking and cycling to use.”

“It has also allowed the council to extend the Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) from the award-winning Grey to Green scheme, which is important due to the flood risks in the city center.”

The council has dismissed concerns that these changes will drive more shoppers to Meadowhall. 

In a statement, the council noted that Meadowhall remains a valuable asset, but the city center aims to offer a unique, attractive environment that encourages outdoor leisure and residential living.

Construction for these new city-center improvements is set to begin in January 2025.

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