A number of articles have been published regarding the recently opened cycle lane on Wimborne Road West, Colehill, Dorset. The articles make a number of contentious statements, which are inaccurate or incorrect.
The information below clarifies the situation.
Background information
The cycle lane in question is part of the 2.3km scheme along Wimborne Road West, and Leigh Road, from Colehill up to just before the outskirts of Wimborne.
The scheme is part of the south east Dorset Transforming Cities Fund programme funded mostly by a grant from the Department for Transport but also being funded by and jointly undertaken by Dorset Council and BCP Council. Further funding has been provided on this specific route by Sustrans.
The images being published in the media show a section of Wimborne Road West near to the junction with the A31 trunk road, known as the Canford Bottom Roundabout. This junction is a particularly busy one being on the main trunk road to the South West. The vast majority of the traffic at this point is through traffic on the A31.
Wimborne Road West and Leigh Road were originally this trunk road but were superseded with the construction of the A31 Wimborne Bypass. As a result, the road is now significantly wider than is needed for a local residential through road and can well accommodate a bi-directional cycle lane, giving people green, healthy travel choices and helping to reduce congestion and speeding.
Articles claim: The cycle lane on Wimborne Road West is the widest in the country
This is incorrect: The cycle lane on Leigh Road is bi-directional (i.e. it is for two-way cycling). Highways standard is that two-way cycle tracks should be between 3m and 4m wide. The width of the two-way lane on Leigh Road is 3.5m (11ft 4in) and clearly meets relevant standards. There are many other two-way cycle lanes of this width across the UK.
The confusion has come about because cycle markings in the photo taken by BNPS news agency gives the impression that the cycleway is one way; it is in fact two-way. Dorset Council will be reviewing the cycle lane markings and will change them if necessary, to avoid confusion.
Articles claim: The cycle lane at this point is wider than the vehicle lanes
This is incorrect: The total width of the two-way cycle lane on Leigh Road is 3.5m (11ft 4in) and the total width on the two-way road is 6.5m (21ft 3in).
The cycle lane at the point displayed in the photographs and discussed in the articles is actually a two-way cycle lane, not a single direction lane as suggested by the articles. It is intended for use by all cyclists on Wimborne Road West going both east and west. It is therefore wider than a single cycle lane to accommodate this two-way cycle traffic.
The decision to make this a two-way cycle lane was taken on account of safety concerns at the junction, as well as a need to link the cycle lane to The Castleman Trailway, part of the National Cycle Network, which runs east from the A31 at Canford Bottom to Ringwood, Hampshire.
Articles claim: The cycle lane and road is not built to Highways standards
This is incorrect: Both the cycle lane and road conform and in fact exceed Highways standards.
The total width of the two-way cycle lane on Wimborne Road West is 3.5m (11ft 4in) and the total road width is 6.5m (21ft 3in). There is nothing unusual about these widths (there are many similar in Britain) and they conform to Highway standards.
The appropriate Highway design standards state that:
- Two-way cycle lanes should be between 3 and 4 metres wide. The two-way cycle lane on Wimborne Road West at 3.5m, is well within these guidelines.
- Two-way traffic lanes for mixed traffic should have a minimum width of 6m. The two-way traffic lane on Wimborne Road West is 6.5m wide and meets, and exceeds, this minimum standard.
Articles claim: Cyclists are still using the road and not the cycle lane
To clarify: As can be seen in the images used in the article, the cycle lane scheme on Wimborne Road West and Leigh Road is still under construction.
People on bikes can still legally use the road if they wish. This will remain the same when the scheme is complete however, given that the scheme is still under construction as indicated by the photos within the article, it is very likely that some cyclists will chose to use the road at this time.
Once the scheme has been completed, there will be cycle lanes running 2.3km from the Canford Bottom roundabout to the junction of Brook Road with Leigh Road at the outskirts of Wimborne.
Articles claim: Local residents had not been informed about the changes
This is incorrect: In early November 2020, all residents and businesses on Leigh Road and Wimborne Road West, as well as residents and businesses on other local roads leading onto Leigh Road and Wimborne Road West, received letters, leaflets and other communications giving details about the scheme and why it was being undertaken. Later, a month before the work began, they received a separate letter from their local Councillor explaining what was going to happen as well as the council’s rationale behind the scheme and the benefits of building sustainable transport infrastructure. There has also been a significant level of press coverage about the scheme in local media and on social media, before the work began and whenever various milestones have been reached in the project. Finally, two weeks before work begins outside their homes, each resident receives a personal letter from Dorset Council and the contractors, explaining the work that will be done outside their homes and giving them a contact point with the contractors so that they can speak directly to someone who will be able to sort out any access or other problems.
Articles claim: Passing lorries have smashed their mirrors against each other as they pass because the lanes are too narrow
This is unsubstantiated: We have not received any reports of this nature. Anyone with concerns about the work on Leigh Road/Wimborne Road West should email [email protected]
Articles claim: Cars are veering into the oncoming lane to avoid a cyclist
It is stated in the highway code that motorists on any road should not attempt to overtake cyclists if there is oncoming traffic in the opposite lane and there is insufficient room to pass the cyclist safely. This is particularly important when cycling through stretches of roadworks. Drivers should wait until it is safe to pass, giving the cyclist plenty of room as they pass. Attempting to crowd cyclists off the road, so as to squeeze between them and an oncoming vehicle is dangerous driving and has been the cause of cyclist injuries and fatalities in the past.
Articles claim: Complaints from local Jewsons
This is unsubstantiated: We have not received any contact from Jewsons on Leigh Road regarding any complaints or incidents during the road works. We will be contacting the Jewsons branch again to check if they have any concerns regarding the road.
Articles claim: The council could have done more when designing the cycle lane to make equal room for both cyclists and drivers including a barrier or raised curb to separate the cycle lane
This is incorrect: The two-way road (6.5m) is in fact wider than the two-way cycle lane (3.5m) and separated from the road with a raised kerb and white lines.
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