Fuming over cycle lanes and potholes

THE Labour-run council (for whom I voted previously but never again) has sanctioned the spending of thousands, if not tens of thousands, to create a cycle lane in Maesy-Coed Road, which runs for approximately 100 metres.

The cycle lane starts at the junction with Caerphilly Road and ends at Memory Lane Bakery.

Now they may argue that this was installed for safety reasons but articulated lorries run the full course of Maes-y-Coed and Caerphilly Roads. No doubt many residents of Cardiff will say these lorries run pretty much everywhere.

So what was the point of installing this one, which goes absolutely nowhere?

The cycle lane is also much wider than anywhere else that I’ve seen in Cardiff. It has permanent solid fixtures along the lane and also solid poles, many of which are already bent, presumably hit by motor vehicles. These fixtures are a real danger to all traffic. As the cycle lane is not cleaned it is covered in debris, which no doubt is a danger to cycle tyres as well.

This restriction to motor traffic means one lane only in the approach to Caerphilly Road, resulting in traffic congestion leading as far back as Ton Yr Ywen School during peak traffic.

If this cycle lane is to remain I would like to see all appointed councillors leading by example and sanctioning the construction of these cycle lanes in their roads. No, I didn’t think so.

To rub salt in the wound, I still see cyclists using the pavements.

The introduction of speed bumps and 20mph restrictions have no doubt also been introduced for safety reasons, and in school areas I appreciate this.

However, I’m sure readers will agree that while these may encourage “sensible” road users to drive carefully, it does nothing at all to restrict lorries and boy racers, who have no care for their vehicles. How many other people are woken from 6.30am with the “bang, bang” as lorries go over the bumps at speed?

Lastly, potholes! I appreciate the financial issues at the moment but it is hard to swallow when the road for the cycle lane area was relaid when there are potholes throughout Maesy-Coed Road.

My car has been peppered with stones from the break-up of the road, made worse by council workers not removing stones when filling the holes. I have received many a strange look when I have swept the road (five times now) to remove the stones.

Perhaps action will be taken when a small child suffers injury on their way to or from school before anything is done? Brian Rickards Cardiff