Concerns over plans to make Sidmouth Street cycle lane permanent
PLANS to make cycle lanes in Sidmouth Street permanent have been met with dismay by some Reading residents, writes James Aldridge, Local democracy reporter.
Reading Borough Council closed the northbound lane in 2020, to create a route for cyclists as part of active travel measures using funding from the government. It now wants to make it a permanent change, and has launched a consultation to gather public opinion.
The proposal was blasted by people who were responding to the council’s post announcing the consultation on Facebook.
Rebecca Newman said: “I’ve never seen a cyclist use this while driving through ever.”
Agreeing, James Russell said: “Granted I don’t sit there and watch it, but I’ve been past many times and not once seen a cyclist use it.”
Nancy Carter said: “As a cyclist I have no idea how to actually reach this path without getting squished by traffic.
“Either get rid of it or link safely to other parts of the cycle network.”
Some people expressed frustration at how little the cycle lanes are used.
Mikey Russell said: “I’ve seen cyclists literally on the road when there’s a perfectly usable cycle path next to it.
“It’s infuriating.”
When the council monitored usage of the cycle lane in 2021, it found that 76 cyclists used it in a 12-hour period.
The council has argued that the Sidmouth Street cycle lane connects to the shared foot and cycle pavement in London Road, and lanes shared with buses and taxis in Wokingham Road.
The council also stated that the Sidmouth Street cycle lane would be linked to a permanent active travel route in Shinfield Road which will be built by later this year.
Andy Clarke appeared sympathetic to making the cycle lane permanent.
He said: “To get increased cycle use you need a network. All of our towns and cities are blighted by excessive car use and rat running in minor streets to avoid the jams they cause.
“Anyone who claims you get free running, non-polluting traffic by subjecting back roads to through traffic is talking nonsense; cars are just such a waste of space.”