Bollards placed in the middle of cycle lane an 'accident waiting to happen'

A cyclist has slated his local council for installing bollards down the middle of a cycle path in Sandbach, Cheshire.

While Cheshire East Council says the bollards are in place to stop vehicles using the cycleway as a shortcut, Cycling UK member Matthias Bunte says they are an "accident waiting to happen".

Ten bollards were installed down the middle of an extended cycleway along Hind Heath Road, according to the Crewe Chronicle, with more at the end of the road at the junction of Proctors Lane.

“They are difficult to see especially in group riding because they are masked by the rider in front," Mr Bunte told the Chronicle.

“I think bollards should be installed on a cycle track only as a very last resort when there has been a very significant abuse of a cycleway being used as a shortcut by vehicles. They are unnecessary in that location.

Mr Bunte called for the bollards to be removed and a period of observation to take place to see if the cycleway is abused by motorists.

A council spokesman said a full segregation of the cycleway from the road was not possible due to the residents who needed to cross the path to get to the road in their cars.

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“Bollards have been installed on this cycleway in order to prevent unauthorised and improper use by motor vehicles," the spokesman said.

“Several incidents have been reported to the council in the past and this decision was taken following consultation with local residents who had expressed concern about safety.

“Unusual circumstances mean that there are local residents who need to cross the route by car in order to access properties. Therefore, additional bollards were considered to be necessary to enhance safety measures for all users.

“A safety audit was carried out which did not highlight any concerns. A further safety audit is to be conducted as part of a review process.”