Narrow Derby cycle lane branded unsafe by bike users

Slender Derby cycle lane branded unsafe by bike customers

Picture caption Lucy Giuliano mentioned cyclists have been now trapped within the lane

Cyclists have complained “enhancements” to a metropolis cycle lane have left it unsafe and unsuitable for some bikes.

Derby Metropolis Council used a part of a authorities grant to segregate the lane on Uttoxeter Highway, between the town centre and the Royal Derby Hospital, with concrete boundaries.

However cyclists say some sections are only one.1m (3.6ft) broad, in comparison with the federal government’s really helpful minimal width of 1.5m (4.9ft).

The council plans to assessment the lane.

The Division for Transport awarded £228,000 to the council in June to work on short-term schemes that inspired strolling and biking through the coronavirus pandemic.

Sectioning off the cycle lane in Uttoxeter Highway was amongst a number of tasks the authority had proposed.

However cyclists have complained the brand new boundaries had made an “already slender” lane even narrower and fewer secure.

Picture caption Concrete boundaries have been added to segregate the present lane

Lucy Giuliano, from Derby Biking Group, mentioned: “We are able to nonetheless cycle alongside in single file however as a result of it is concrete, you’ll be able to’t get out of the lane.

“Automobiles now assume it is safer to return nearer to the cyclists, which suggests you are extra in danger if something occurs.”

Ms Giuliano added the narrowness of the lane made it unsuitable for tailored bikes, trailers and electrical cargo bikes.

“Our purpose [at Derby Cycling Group] is to get extra under-represented teams biking in order that’s actually disappointing,” she mentioned.

The Division for Transport issued guidance in July saying new cycle lanes must be 1.5m broad as an “absolute minimal”.

In a press release, Derby Metropolis Council mentioned the grant had stipulated that each one schemes have to be delivered inside eight weeks.

It mentioned: “To briefly widen the lane on Uttoxeter Highway wouldn’t solely imply creating important congestion however hindering emergency automobiles on a essential path to the Royal Derby Hospital.

“The entire schemes are short-term and might be reviewed after three months for extension or modification primarily based on suggestions.”