RESIDENTS in Poole have reacted with frustration at upcoming roadworks to install a cycle lane “which hardly anybody uses”.
But campaigners have told frustrated motorists to try and be part of the change to ensure they are successful.
Wallisdown Road will close westbound for 10 weeks from Monday, October 10 so the council can install new cycle lanes along the busy route connecting Bournemouth and Poole.
We've spoken to people living on the road, who say they rarely see people using the cycle lanes and that the work will be a “massive inconvenience” for them.
Rob Gilbert, of Wallisdown Road, said: “It’s an inconvenience now; by the time it’s completed it’s going to be worse. It will be a lot better if, instead of putting a cycle lane there, they put in laybys for buses so we can get past them.
Read more: Wallisdown Road to close for 10 weeks to install cycle lanes
“It’s a waste of money. I’ve seen the top end of the road, which they’ve finished, and I can count how many people use it on one hand. All the times I’ve driven through I’ve only seen one cyclist use it.”
Josie Summers added: “It’s going to be an inconvenience. They’re losing half of the pavement, but we’ve been told it will help with flooding when it rains. Our garden floods when it rains and our neighbours have had their flat regularly flooded.
“Having said that I don’t think anyone will use the cycle lane. I have noticed some people using it further up the road, but I’ve also noticed cyclists using the road next to it.”
George Costin said: “I don’t like it. It’s not used by anyone and is a waste of money. The council should be spending money on other projects.”
Another resident said: “I have children that cycle so I will feel more comfortable knowing they are safe.”
Emma added: “In the long run the cycle lane will be beneficial, but right now it’s going to be a nightmare because of the traffic and I’m trying to sell my flat.”
Marc Lohez of BH Active Travel said: “The lanes may look huge, especially to those who’ve never cycled abroad - but they’re still far from perfect and will live or die depending on what happens at either end.
Read more: Wallisdown Road's new cycle lanes: Diversion route details here
“Until it's all joined up, cycle parking is in place and employers add changing and shower facilities, I personally don’t expect a massive shift [in cyclist numbers], which will of course further enrage many motorists.
“Is that frustration justified? Of course not - the roads belong to all. But, until those motorists try to be part of the shift instead of complaining or being downright abusive, they’ll stay frustrated as we cycle past them during gridlock.”
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