Cycle route to go ahead despite resident concerns
Petition not enough to change proposals
RESIDENTS are unhappy a new cycle route is being established along a main town thoroughfare, despite protests about it being too busy.
Dozens of people from Leicester Road, Hinckley, signed a petition to stop the installation being planned as part of a multimillion pound highways improvement scheme by Leicestershire County Council.
Householders in neighbouring streets also objected.
The petition and opposition were noted when the issue of Hinckley Zone 3 transport infrastructure proposals went to the authority’s Cabinet last March.
However, the disquiet was not strong enough for councillors to change their view on officers’ recommendations and the alterations will go ahead within weeks.
Ron Osmond, a neigh- bour with concerns, said when proposals were aired and comments sought in December 2014 he canvassed on the affected area of Leicester Road.
He added: “Of those canvassed an overwhelming 87% expressed opposition to the proposal to widen the Leicester Road pavement on the western side to create a joint pedestrian/cyclist route.
“The main reason was the danger posed to cyclists and drivers through the existence of more than 25 vehicle entries along that stretch of the pavement.”
He said an alternative suggestion to use the Ashby Road/Barwell Lane route to Barwell and Earl Shilton had been dismissed because the council insisted the cycleway needed to service the two schools in Bradgate Road and Butt Lane.
Ron said the question was then, in that case, why hadn’t the Butt Lane and Bradgate Road carriageway been selected for the cycling route - which locals considered safer, more logical and cheaper - instead of the Leicester Road pavement which would involve considerable disruption and cost.
He said: “The response was that ‘Leicester Road is considered an important link and it should therefore continue to form part of the network’.
“The end result is a scheme that is opposed by 87% of the affected residents, is less safe, less logical, and more costly than the obvious alternative will go ahead.
“Unfortunately, this is all too typical of council behaviour - invite responses but fail to answer pertinent questions and implement the original plan regardless.”
The highways alterations, funded by a Government grant, and which include establish joint pedestrian/cycleways, new bus shelters, speed tables and traffic calming, have come in for criticism as being unjustified and a waste of money.
The county says in its local transport plan Hinckley was identified as needing action to stimulate economic growth, minimise congestion levels and reduce carbon emissions.
The argument is that by encouraging more people to walk, cycle or use the bus, the council can help the local economy and the environment - as the more journeys made by bus, walking or by bike, the more road space is freed up for essential journeys which have to be made by car.
A Leicestershire County Council spokesman said: “The cycle route on Leicester Road forms part of ongoing work to create an improved walking and cycling network across Hinckley, Barwell and Earl Shilton.
“We value the feedback received during consultations on proposed schemes and improvements and always take it into consideration when making recommendations to councillors.
“Leicester Road was chosen as the best location of a new path as it is an important link through the town and the next phase of proposals for Hinckley will see further improvements to this area to link it to the town cen-