The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Anger at vans in Broughty’s new cycle lane
Van drivers are using a multimillion pound Broughty Ferry cycle lane for parking. Residents and cyclists have branded the lane “pointless” if vehicles continue to block the thoroughfare.
The cycle path was created as part of the wider £9 million active travel plan.
Residents spotted a van parking on the cycle lane at the esplanade on Wednesday afternoon.
Jim Hawkins, 69, uses the cycle path on a regular basis.
“I cycle along here three times a week, maybe more,” he said.
Jim has seen vehicles parked on the dedicated cycle lane more than once.
“It forces you to either go on the walkway, or on to the road.
“It’s a brilliant thing that they (the council) have done.
“But if you can’t use it, it’s pointless. It is money that has been wasted.”
Although part of the Ferry lane is completed, work is ongoing for the rest of the path. It will eventually connect a walking and cycling route between Broughty Ferry and Monifieth.
Donald Baddon from Dundee Cycling Forum called it a “world class asset” for Dundee prior to opening.
But that is only if cyclists can use it.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen people parking on the new lane,” said Deryck
Wallace, another avid Dundee cyclist.
“Although I shouldn’t be surprised as pavements in general get used as parking spaces all the time.”
Elaine Heron, 60, lives on the esplanade.
She said: “They’ve narrowed the road. I’m not sure if that was in the plans.
“So if vans are delivering, they end up having to double park.
“But that’s only for a few minutes.
“I noticed a van in the cycle path yesterday.
“If people start parking on (the cycle path), then it’s a waste of all the money that has been spent on it.”
A spokesperson for
Dundee City Council said: “We are aware of this situation.
“It is not acceptable to block the cycle lane for any period of time.
“We are actively looking at ways that we can deter drivers from doing this, including ensuring increased enforcement activity.”