Is it safe to divide a footpath for cyclists and pedestrians?

IT is a long time since I lived in Welholme Avenue, almost 30 years ago in fact. So I wouldn’t dream of adding my twopennyworth to the argument as to whether the nearby Weelsby Road should have a cycle path on both sides.

However, I would like to comment on the suggestion that they simply “incorporate the cycle lane onto the path, like they have done elsewhere” (Anger over new cycle lane that would stop people parking outside homes, Grimsby Telegraph, November 16).

For yes, this can be a solution. Only though if the path is strictly divided in two, as happens at Cleethorpes seafront and down the end of Scartho Road towards the Methodist Chapel. Here, both cyclists and pedestrians can proceed with their journeys in safety.

Yet if you simply say a pavement is suitable for both cyclists and walkers, there is a potential risk of trouble.

For you only have to get off a bus in Louth Road during the time when pupils are coming home from Tollbar Academy to see the problems that undivided paths can cause. I refer, of course, to the situation faced by individuals walking from Scartho village, and faced with cyclists riding two or three abreast coming from the opposite direction.

This doesn’t help the safety of the pedestrian by any means, and is thus a scenario to consider when planning any future cycle lanes.

An acquaintance of mine has incidentally come up with another issue regarding these lanes that are on pavements.

Namely that during periods of snow and ice they don’t get cleared whereas those on the edge of the road are dealt with.

So in order to avoid the sometimes treacherous nature underfoot, you will find cyclists using the ordinary roads in winter rather than the special lanes provided for them.