‘Walk, don’t run’ request on the iconic Bristol Bridge

Bosses at an iconic Bristol landmark have urged people to stop playing over it and walk instead. Clifton Suspension Bridge has issued the ‘courtesy notice’ to runners running on the narrow walkway of the famous bridge from Clifton to Leigh Woods as maintenance work has closed one of the lanes.

Bridge bosses installed a one-way system during the Covid pandemic to help people maintain social distancing, asking people to walk west on the south side of the road and east on the north side of the road. Now, with one of the sidewalks closed for maintenance, the “walk, don’t run” advice has been enforced.

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In a statement on its Facebook page, Clifton Suspension Bridge said: “Please refrain from crossing the bridge while only one lane is open. It’s a narrow footbridge, so slowing down and being mindful of others crossing the bridge helps keep everyone safe. Thanks for understanding.”

The post sparked a bit of a debate with 64 comments showing a split in opinion. The bridge is a popular jogging route from Clifton to Ashton Court and some runners said they would continue running if there was no one on the bridge at the time, while others said they would heed the advice.

Commenting on the announcement on the Suspension Bridge Facebook group, Richard Antrobus said: “I’ll run when it’s empty and walk when it’s busy, just add a minute. The main thing is to be careful, I saw fellow runners pushing. past as if trying to set a record. A little thought goes a long way,” he added.

Joy Bryant admitted it was a problem. “I was walking this morning and yes, awkward with the runners,” she said. Billy Clark replied: “I go where I want”, while Winston Smith added: “‘Self-titled’ is ruining things for everyone else, as usual. Respect for everyone’s pleasure has left this country.”