A cycle route has been proposed for the Sheaf Valley area of Sheffield to encourage more people to ditch their cars and take up cycling. 

The proposed route would run from Norton Hammer to Sheaf Quay, spanning 3.36km. 

In a Finance Committee meeting at the Sheffield City Council, which took place on Tuesday 16 April, it was discussed that the route would help to encourage a strong cycling and walking network within Sheffield, shifting travel in the city away from cars. 

Councillor Richard Shaw, whose ward covers Beauchief and Greenhill said: “High-quality segregated cycle routes are an important part of the mix of measures that the council and national government need to take in order to meet our climate goals and provide a safe and reliable alternative to transport by private car.” 

The route would create a safe and direct cycle route between Norton Hammer and the city centre, with the hope of encouraging more people to cycle around Sheffield. 

Robert Smith, 53, a Sheffield cyclist said: “I think the route would be a great addition for the city. I think the city’s already cycle friendly. Adding this route would really encourage people to get out on their bike.” 

In the council agenda, it is stated that the addition of the route will greatly reduce traffic congestion on the roads as more people turn to alternative travel. 

Along with these immediate benefits, the new route also carries potential long-term benefits for Sheffield’s air quality, public health and wellbeing. 

Dave Dickinson from Sheffield Environmental which supports local action for en eco-friendly Sheffield shared his views on the proposed route. 

He said: “The Sheaf Valley Route is a vital active travel corridor radiating from the city centre, heading towards the Peak District. Giving people the opportunity to ditch their car in favour of walking, cycling and wheeling to the places they want to go, along quieter streets.” 

But he said the plans were not without their issues. 

He added: “It’s incomplete, poorly sign posted and doesn’t reach the edge of the city or the Steel Wheel, which is our vision for overhauling Sheffield’s Active Travel network.” 

The construction of this route would cost £60k, to be funded from the Local Neighbourhood Complimentary Transport Programme with construction beginning in autumn 2026.