Manxies vs Motors: A Push to Pedestrianise

The Isle of Man—land of rolling hills, TT bikes, and… car-free zones?

It seems the humble pedestrian is getting their moment in the sun as three of the island’s busiest spots—Douglas, Castletown, and Ramsey—eye plans to boot cars, either temporarily or permanently, and welcome people-powered travel.

Here’s where we’re up to in two town’s and one city on the island:

Douglas: A Harbour Haven for Humans

First up, the Big Smoke. Douglas City Council is plotting to turn North Quay into the ultimate pedestrian paradise.

The trial could see the Quay fully closed to cars from Ridgeway Street to Quines Corner initially, encouraging locals to ditch the exhaust fumes and enjoy some fresh air by the harbour.

Currently, the Quay is car-free only on weekends, bank holidays, and for events in this area.

But Councillor Devon Watson says it’s time to dream big, with plans to consult residents, businesses, and anyone else who fancies chiming in. He calls it a ‘test and use’ approach, meaning no rash decisions—just plenty of experimenting.

If the consultation was a success, he told Gef he’d go as far as wanting to trial no cars for the entirety of North Quay, from Bank Hill to Market Hill.

Leader of Douglas Council, Claire Wells, is all for the plan, too, saying it’ll give business owners the confidence to invest more in the area.

With loading zones still allowed between 7 am and 10 am, and potential extra disabled parking on the table, it’s certainly one to keep an eye on.

Castletown: Closing the Square Debate

Down in the south, Castletown is this close to saying goodbye to cars in Market Square for good.

The town has been giving us summer vibes for years with its car-free square, deckchairs, and even big-screen sporting events.

While some people, including the Commissioners, are cheering it on, some traders and residents worry it could be bad news for the town and their wallets. They’re also disappointed in the lack of consultation.

According to Tim Glover MHK, this debate has ‘split the town’.

But Castletown’s commissioners are confident the pedestrian-friendly space brings more people into town and will make the square the place to be. It’s a wait and see on this one!

Ramsey: Parliament Street’s People-Only Pilot

Not to be outdone, a Ramsey Commissioners is floating a summer trial to close part of Parliament Street—just a short stretch between Christian Street and Crellin’s Lane—to traffic.

Commissioner Lamara Craine is spearheading the plan, hoping it’ll boost local business revenue, cut pollution, and give everyone’s ears a break from roaring engines.

If approved, the trial would run on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm, losing only 12 parking spots in the process.

‘It’s not about pedestrianising all of Ramsey’, says Craine. ‘It’s about giving the people of Ramsey a safe and vibrant space to enjoy.’

Where Next? Maughold, Sulby… Crosby?!

With the Isle of Man’s towns and city are fully embracing pedestrianisation, it could only be a matter of time before smaller spots hop on the trend.

Imagine a car-free Crosby – sheep wandering freely, cyclists sipping coffee, the pub locals stumbling to the Co-op with not a care in the world and Marownians revelling in the peace and quiet. Sulby? Maughold? Gef’s original home of Dalby? The possibilities are endless.

What do you think, Manxies? Are car-free zones the future? Or do you prefer your ‘metal loud boxes’ right where they are? Let us know!

Sound off, because the battle for pedestrianisation is far from over!