Kentish Express Ashford & District
More criticism of cycle lanes
Ashford’s reaction to the Covid cycle lanes was perhaps one of the funniest and most tragic reactions I have seen to a change in Ashford.
Social media was the hotspot for the insanity surrounding the lanes and cyclists in general.
Before I go any further, I agree that this was probably one of the strangest times to even attempt to introduce this, especially since so many local councils are in financial trouble.
I agree it was not well planned or well executed so all those complaints I completely understand and agree with.
However, a petition was set up practically the day they appeared saying it was not working, giving it no time to begin to work.
Cyclists do not suddenly appear out of the blue and flood a new cycle lane the day it opens.
They are typically former car drivers who change from the most space inefficient mode of transport to a substantially more practical one.
It takes time for people to start using them, I am afraid to say.
Another person discussed how ‘cyclists should pay road taxes’ and ‘be insured for the damage that they’ll do to my car’.
First, how hard are you intending on crashing into a cyclist for your car to be damaged so badly that you need to bring out insurance?
Secondly, road tax does not go directly to roads.
Cyclists already pay for roads through any other tax they pay.
Think of the tax on your car as a fee for the privilege of taking up more space than you probably need.
On behalf of cyclists, sorry that the desire for safety causes such distress and rage but you will have to deal with it sooner or later.
On a separate note, Colin [Bullen], your letter about the Extinction Rebellion was perhaps your finest work yet [‘Ranting and raving won’t help your cause’, Kentish Express letters, September 17].
Truly a laugh a minute, but I am afraid to say the sun is a little more than 10,000 years old.
Perhaps look for facts outside of Facebook.
Lloyd Allen
The part I found strange about the cycle lanes was Kent County Council wanting feedback
AFTER they were put down rather than – like when they have plans to change some structure
– they have a meet and greet at a hotel, with pictures, to get comments from the public, as done before Junction 10a was built.
I was wondering if they had heard of virtual reality.
On computers now in 2020, you can lay out a roadway on a screen, add cycle lanes and bollards and then question if it will work.
They can look at the scene to see what problems will arise before spending thousands laying lines and bollards and then deciding to take it away.
I know it’s used by police for re-enacting traffic accidents.
Freddie Clements
Once upon a time Ashford’s streets were dominated by bicycles: carrying out errands, delivering goods, and as a means of transport.
Early road signs were erected by the Cycle Touring Club, etc.
Ashford was home to two bicycle manufacturers: Norman Cycles and Hayward’s ‘Onward Cycles’.
Cycling is recognised as a healthy activity, and good for the environment.
So why, today, are we
experiencing such a problem providing them with adequate facilities?
Ted Prangnell