Cows are only allowed to walk on one half of the bridge
11:20, 14 May 2026Updated 11:39, 14 May 2026
The bridge over the A370 at Long Ashton, where cows, cyclists and pedestrians now have clearly defined lanes (Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach Plc)
They are not particularly well known for their road sense but this attempt to get cows to tow the line has been raising eyebrows and smiles on the edge of Bristol.
White line markings have appeared on a bridge over the A370 between Long Ashton and Bristol, designating one side of the bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, and the rest of the bridge for cows.
The bridge was built when the A370 Long Ashton bypass was constructed, and created specifically for cows who graze in the fields on the edge of the village and on the Bristol side of the road. It crosses over the dual carriageway between the park and ride exit and the Gurney Roundabout junction with the South Bristol Link Road.
Walkers and cyclists on Festival Way, which runs parallel to dual carriageway have been doing a double take as they pass the bridge this week – after the freshly and neatly painted white lines appeared.
One local walker was left udderly perplexed. “It has to be a joke, right? A cow is not going to pay any attention to that, and who does a cyclist complain to if they find themselves on the bridge when the herd crosses over and some of them don’t stick to their side of the line? It’s hilarious.”
Mystery surrounds the origins of the work. The bridge is in North Somerset and the council there has been contacted about the markings, and a response is awaited.