A BUSY roundabout in Colchester could be turned into a Dutch style roundabout giving priority to cyclists and pedestrians.
The longer term desire was revealed in documents about creating two segregated cycle routes across parts of the town.
Essex County Council has submitted a bid to Department for Transport for more money from the Government Emergency Active Travel fund.
Details on the proposal have now been revealed.
As part of the plan cycle routes would be created from Mile End Road to Butt Road.
It would pass through the North Station roundabout where cyclists would have “improved segregation”.
The route continues along Station Way, the Essex Hall roundabout and along North Station Road to the Albert roundabout.
The bid said: “At the Albert roundabout, crossing improvements will be introduced with a view to a longer term desire to convert this roundabout to a Dutch-style model.”
Dutch style roundabouts have been influenced by designs from the Netherlands.
They give priority to cyclists and pedestrians with an inner ring for cars and an outer one for cyclists.
The first example in the UK is in Cambridge.
Motorists must give way to pedestrians and to cyclists when joining and leaving the roundabout.
Reduced lane widths on the roundabout and at exit and entry points are designed to encourage drivers to slow down.
The cycle route would then continue along North Station Road where a cycleway and bus gate would be introduced to restrict traffic.
It continues up North Hill, along Headgate and towards Butt Road.
The second planned route runs from the junction of Spring Lane to East Hill.
It would have a segregated cycleway along Lexden Road.
Some roads off of Lexden Road, close to a number of schools, will be designated a school street zone with 20mph limits. It means only pedestrians and cyclists can use the roads at school start and finish times. There will also be a 20mph limit.
The route continues along Crouch Street to Balkerne Hill where a new crossing would be introduced. The report suggests cyclists will be supported by the “removal of parking” in Crouch Street.
The route continues along St John’s Street, Vineyard Street and Priory ending on East Hill.
The report said: “ These measures will represent a significant improvement over the current provisions provided to support walking and cycling.”
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