“Sacrificing safety for drivers’ benefit”: Plan to reopen ‘cycling only’ road to motorists using active travel funds branded a “disgrace” – as council dismisses protected bike lanes as “impractical, costly, and unviable”

A local council in the UK has reignited controversy by proposing to reopen a cycling-only road to motor traffic, potentially allowing vehicles into painted cycle lanes. This plan, which reportedly intends to utilise active travel funds, has been met with fierce opposition, branded a "disgrace" by campaigners. The council has further dismissed protected bike lanes as "impractical, costly, and unviable," despite a public consultation on the scheme being paused and then restarted this week due to councillor concerns.

This development is a stark illustration of the ongoing tension between local authorities and active travel advocates. Councils often face pressure to balance traffic flow with cycling infrastructure, but repurposing active travel funds to facilitate motor vehicle access, while simultaneously rejecting proven safety measures like protected lanes, represents a worrying trend. It undermines the very purpose of such funding and signals a significant step backward for urban cycling, especially when considering the increasing calls for safer, more accessible routes.

Ultimately, this appears to be another case of short-term traffic management trumping long-term, sustainable urban planning. One might even suggest it’s an innovative way to fund the erosion of cycling infrastructure.