Cycle lane is ‘an accident in waiting’

A new cycle lane in Bath has been labelled an ‘accident waiting to happen’ by one disgruntled resident.

Scotty Turner, who drives for a living, has not been impressed by the cycle lane on Weston Road which he considers a ‘bodge job.’

He said: “Bath and North East Somerset Council has painted a really wide cycle lane but the road is not wide enough for it.

The lane was installed as part of several improvements the council has been implementing. It is hoped these improvements will make the cycle route between Weston and the city centre safer for cyclists.

According to Mr Turner, the new features have not been implemented to a high enough standard.

He said: “Two cars are not able to pass at once if they are to avoid the new cycle lane. You’re forced to drive in the cycle lane to avoid a collision.”

Vehicles have been seen already crossing into the cycle lane.

Mr Turner said: “It has been causing problems. People are either breaking suddenly or driving into the cycle lane. It’s an accident waiting to happen. I drive for a living so am looking at it from a motorist’s point of view.”

The council has since explained that the cycle lane may be used by other motorists if it is safe to do so.

A spokesman said: “The cycle lane along Weston Road is an advisory cycle lane as indicated by the dashed line that bounds it.

“It is one and a half metres wide which is the minimum recommended width for a cycle lane and as it is advisory other vehicles may straddle it if it is safe to do so.

“This section of Weston Road is subject to a 20mph speed limit restriction and is already a wellused route by cyclists.”