Residents blast ‘dangerous’ bike lane plan

RESIDENTS have branded the changes to Clevedon seafront as ‘silly’ and ‘dangerous’ and claim the alterations are unnecessary and a petition to stop the move has gathered more than 4,000 signatures.

As the Post reported last week the plans will see a handful of new one-way systems, cycle lanes and speed limits introduced, with work beginning on Hill Road just after Easter. It is intended the work will help complete the 13-mile Pier to Pier way from Westonsuper-Mare to Clevedon.

But the plans have met a sizeable amount of opposition, with MP Liam Fox branding the changes “craziest plans I’ve seen in my 30 years as an MP”. A banner expressing anger against the changes has also appeared on the barriers along the Beach.

Residents have not vented their anger in person, but have now left comments on the petition.

One resident, Stephen Knight, said: “These proposals are actually dangerous. Cyclists do not follow the rules of the road (or anywhere else for that matter). They come upon you silently and they certainly don’t look out for pedestrians. I know the council has ‘free’ money to use on this scheme but, just because you can, doesn’t mean that you should. Our lovely seafront is fine. Leave well alone.”

John Trask said: “There is no need for a cycle lane here. The seafront road has existed here with very few issues over the years. The author of this petition has it spot on. Spend the money on something worthwhile that benefits the whole community. If it isn’t broken don’t fix it.”

The makeover is expected to cost around £500,000 and is part of the £175m grant from the Department for Transport (DfT), which will see new safe routes for people to walk and cycle safely built this year. Work on Hill Road is due to begin after the Easter holidays and take up to eight weeks to complete.