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Snake Pass protest: Cyclists reclaim car-free route

Snake Pass protest: Cyclists reclaim car-free route

Around 50-60 cyclists, including children, cycle hire users and cargo bike riders, enjoyed the traffic-free climb — one participant reported the "workers at the barrier were really nice and friendly"...
by Dan Alexander
Sat, Mar 12, 2022 17:34
11

An estimated 60-strong group of cyclists took part in Saturday's Snake Pass protest, dubbed the Snake Trespass.

After the A57, one of the area's busiest roads, connecting Manchester and Sheffield via Glossop, was shut for urgent maintenance due to landslides caused by storms Eunice and Franklin, the scenic Peak District climb was described as a cyclists' paradise.

However, last week Derbyshire County Council announced the route would also be closed to cyclists and pedestrians, prompting accusations of an "anti-cyclist decision dressed up cheaply as health and safety".

Many cyclists pointed out the irony of Snake Pass never being safer now drivers cannot use it, and plans for a protest ride were drawn up.

Despite calls from FDJ-Groupama pro rider Jake Stewart to reconsider the 'Trespass', a group of around 50-60 riders amassed in Glossop before riding the route to the top, unchallenged by workers.

> Groupama-FDJ pro Jake Stewart warns against Snake Pass trespass – questions "how this will be conducive to finding harmony with motorists"

One participant reported "the workers at the barrier were really nice and friendly."

Amongst the group were families, a cargo bike rider, and a cyclist using a Beryl hire bike. Walkers were also spotted enjoying the empty roads and scenic views.

On Friday, national cycling charity Cycling UK appeared set to challenge the council’s decision to close the road to cyclists and walkers, before saying the route is not closed to cyclists:

Cycling UK is writing to Derbyshire County Council regarding the reasons for closing parts of the A57 Snake Pass to cyclists. Pending their response, there has however been confusion regarding which stretch of the pass cyclists are unable to access.

For clarity, the emergency temporary road closure made on 22 February, which lasts until 22 March, only permits closure on the section of the map attached. There is however an alternative off-road route connecting the two farms and bypassing the stretch of the road subject to the closure order.

Cyclists are not banned from the entirety of the Snake Pass and can bridge the gap over the closed section of road if they are willing and able to take an off-road diversion.

Snake Pass map
Snake Pass
Dan Alexander

Dan joined road.cc in 2020, and spent most of his first year (hopefully) keeping you entertained on the live blog. At the start of 2022 he took on the role of news editor. Before joining road.cc, Dan wrote about various sports, including football and boxing for the Daily Express, and covered the weird and wonderful world of non-league football for The Non-League Paper. Part of the generation inspired by the 2012 Olympics, Dan has been 'enjoying' life on two wheels ever since and spends his weekends making bonk-induced trips to the petrol stations of the south of England.

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