WITH the summer ban on cycling along the Bournemouth seafront to potentially be lifted, many of our readers took to Facebook and our website to express their thoughts.

BCP Council's cabinet member for transport, councillor Andy Hadley, suggested he will look at the possibility of scrapping the ban as part of efforts to encourage more people to use bikes.

He said: “We need to look at whether the ban is the right thing and whether we can make better use of the beach.”

This hotly contested topic saw Bournemouth Echo readers debate the ban and take to our online poll to vote on whether the ban should be lifted or not.

The comments and poll results showed a clear divide, with 57 per cent of voters wanting the ban to be lifted and 43 per cent wanting the ban to remain in place.

Many readers called for the introduction of a cycle lane on the promenade.

One reader said: “Have a dedicated cycle lane and trial it to see the impact. Then review it before deciding what to do.”

Caroline Drayson added: “Could there be a clearly marked two-way cycle lane? I would love to cycle the seafront but totally get the safety reasons why it isn’t possible. It is a shame that the few cyclists who have little regard for other users can spoil it for everyone.”

Cycle lanes were frequently mentioned by our readers with the notion of separating pedestrians from cyclists a preferred option.

Richie James Wahnon said: “There’s no reason two lines could not be painted to separate cyclists from pedestrians. Then all can enjoy the prom.”

However, some readers disagreed with this notion, stating that a cycle lane would in fact make matters worse and increase danger to pedestrians and cyclists alike during the busy summer period.

Nicola Earl said: “Definitely not. A dedicated cycle lane would be even more dangerous for people crossing the prom to get onto the beach. The daytime ban works well, so please keep it.”

David Evans said a cycle lane may be ineffective.

He said: “Where would this cycle lane go? What if you have kids running from the beach huts to the beach, they aren’t going to be looking for cyclists and will be running over cycle lanes.”

Cyclists also took some time to express their views on the ban while explaining their own experiences as a cyclist.

Online commenter Out_and_about said: “As a cyclist, I would not use the prom at the summertime for biking. Too many areas with minimal view and very narrow in the sections.

“If the prom would be widened by five meters in areas, I could think about biking there at the summertime.”

Kerry Higginson said: “I’m very careful and conscious of the people, but not everyone is and there will be a terrible accident if you allow cyclists back during the day in the summer months. Early morning and early evenings is fine.”

Despite many of our readers claiming cycling on the promenade was safe for pedestrians, some readers said the area was not particularly safe for cyclists either.

Damo Haz said: “During the busy periods of the summer it’s impossible to cycle on some parts of the prom anyway. Cycling on these roads is too dangerous. Cyclists need somewhere to cycle without the danger of drivers.”

Stuart Cummings said: “It shouldn’t be a question of whether to lift the ban, it should be a question of what would be needed to keep the prom safe. Designated cycle lanes, with a physical barrier separating them from pedestrians should do the job.”

Along with potential promenade improvements mentioned by our readers, some agreed with former Bournemouth council cabinet member for transport, councillor Mike Greene, who urged the council to instead focus more on improving clifftop routes.

Online commenter SunShores said: “Cyclists can go along the roads above the cliffs. If the prom is clear then cycling is fine, but at peak times it is not acceptable to cycle as it is unsafe.”

Many readers said there was no problem with cyclists on the promenade and that the ban was not necessary.

Norman Todd said: “I was brought up to consider others at all times. Banning particular activities is no solution to anti-social behaviour.”

Duncan Edwards added: “Our active travel routes should be open and inclusive for all. We should find a way for everybody to have a happy and safe experience on the route.”

The safety of pedestrians was touched upon, with many experiencing personal incidents with cyclists.

Emma Purvis said: “My son got hit last year, didn’t have chance to look to see if anything was coming. He was walking down the steps after purchasing an ice cream at the kiosk at Alum Chine, literally took his foot off the bottom step and bang. The cyclist was hurt as well as my eight-year-old.”

Denise Hales said: “I think the ban should stay. Some of the cyclists are crazy, the speed they ride at, and with little kids or dogs unpredictably running across the promenade they could easily be hit.”