More than two miles of dedicated cycle paths have been installed around PD Ports’ Tees Dock estate, opening up safe routes to work for cyclists and pedestrians.
The dedicated cycle paths link key sites across the estate, including PD Ports’ own Tees Bulks Quay and the Teesport Container Terminal 2, plus other major employment sites such as Tesco and Asda distribution centres.
A final phase of work will also link Teesport Container Terminal 1 and Riverside RoRo terminal to the cycle path network.
Early counts show more than 235 journeys by bike per week, more than three times as many than before the cycle paths were built.
The cycle paths were installed to improve safety for those who use their bike to get to work and to open up employment opportunities for non-drivers who otherwise would not be able to access work on the estate due to the lack of public transport.
The project was kick-started by PD Ports chief executive Frans after a meeting with Andrew Dmytrowich, who works on the Tees Bulks Quay, who raised the issue of safety for cyclists on the estate road network given the large number of heavy vehicles in the area.
Frans said: “We value the health and safety of our people and community and after hearing from Andy about the situation for cyclists we made the decision to invest in new paths around our estate to provide safer routes for all pedestrians and cyclists.
“Riding bikes in areas where there is heavy machinery does come with its risks and everyone needs to be vigilant when moving around the port, no matter what.
“However, thanks to this investment areas that were once closed off to non-drivers are now open to opportunity through these new cycle paths, allowing local people to find more jobs and move throughout Teesport.”
Project engineering director Mark Pearson said: “Installing cycle paths may seem like a simple thing to do but it’s valuable to our port community and the wider communities we serve in Teesside.
“As a business we encourage active travel but the cycle route previously stopped at the main entrance roundabout. The project team, led by Gary Chater, have done an excellent job to create a safe, well-connected cycle network linking key parts of the estate.
“This is investment in people.”