Thefts Stolen diversion signs slow down cycling path revamp work
AS works continue on the busy stretch of the Bristol and Bath Railway Path between Trinity Street and Clay Bottom, Sustrans, the cycling charity leading the project, said that recent thefts of diversion signs and the vandalism of gates has slowed progress.
A section of the path between Easton Community Centre and Johnsons Lane was being used by cyclists and pedestrians last week despite it officially being closed to the public. People who were travelling towards Whitehall from the city centre and Lawrence Hill were encountering a gate when they reached Johnsons Lane.
Sustrans told the Post that diversion signs notifying the public that they would need to exit the path at Easton Community Centre had been stolen over the Early May bank holiday weekend. The following week, cyclists found themselves missing the diversion and encountering a barrier at the Johnsons Lane exit.
On Tuesday, May 3, people were seen carrying their bicycles over a steep hill and making their way around a small gap at the end of the fence. By the next morning one of the metal fencing blocking entry to the path had been pulled down, leaving the closed section open to the public.
By Friday morning the damaged fencing panel had been resurrected with additional plastic road barriers in place. Although the current signage at Johnsons Lane informs the public of the diversion, there are currently no details in place with directions of that diversion.
Olly, who was cycling from Fishponds to St Philips yesterday afternoon, said he was using the path for the first time and was unaware of the closure until he reached Johnsons Lane.
He said: “I was in shock, I was supposed to cycle to work the fast way but now it’s confusing and a little bit harder, it will take longer to get to my job.”
Although there are yellow diversion signs on the designated streets, he claims the route is difficult to navigate for cyclists like Olly who are unfamiliar with the area and have not planned for the diversion ahead of their journey. He said he
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Time spent dealing with thefts and vandalism has unfortunately reduced construction progress
Sustrans spokesperson
found the diversion route confusing so decided to head on to Stapleton Road instead.
The current diversion has resulted in a larger number of children crossing the busy Devon Road who would normally access the cycle path on their route to school and nursery. Some parents raised the issue of road safety and Sustrans has now put additional signage on the road to notify drivers of the diversion.
A spokesperson for Sustrans said: “Unfortunately over the weekend a significant number of signs were taken from the site and fencing was vandalised and stolen. This left no signage in place at two locations, and a lot of damage to be repaired. We are working with the police on this matter.
“We have been putting every effort into minimising the impact on people using the route. Available signage was redeployed as soon as possible to fill gaps, and replacement signs have been urgently ordered to bring us back up to a full quota.
“Time spent dealing with thefts and vandalism has unfortunately reduced construction progress this week. The diversion route uses the crossing point on Devon Road which was installed in 2019. However, following recent feedback we have put up additional signage to raise awareness of people crossing here during the works.
“We are working with the contractor to re-open the stretch of Railway Path near Devon Road as soon as possible. The website has been regularly updated throughout the works, making sure the current and upcoming closure and diversion information is available online throughout. “
You can find more information on path closures at the www.sustrans.org.uk website.