New plans to introduce further measures for cyclists on a road in Wirral have been met with a mixture of support and opposition from people who live nearby.
In a letter to the homeowners of Bebington, Wirral Council put forward their plans to introduce double yellow lines to the New Chester Road cycle lanes. The council said the measures are being introduced following "complaints and concerns" from people fed-up of "obstructive parking" by cars on the cycle lanes.
The council said the new "no waiting at any time" restrictions will serve to improve the health and safety of cyclists, which is threatened by obstructive parking. However, people who live in Bebington and New Ferry, two of the towns which the New Chester Road connects, are not all in support of the new plans and many took to social media to express their views.
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One man didn't see the council's logic, saying: "Why? Most of the cycles ride on the bleeding curbs anyway".
His message was echoed by another sceptical citizen, who said: "I was driving up New Chester Road on Sunday and there was around 30 people on bikes not even using the cycle lane. So what’s the point of having them all over the road?"
It was not only the new proposal that took flak from disgruntled locals. The current cycling infrastructure along New Chester Road came under fire too, particularly the "orca" bumps installed to provide a buffer between cyclists and the cars driving the road alongside them.
One woman said: "I haven't got an objection about the bicycle lanes, I've got an objection about those contraptions they fitted right along the road. Never seen these in any other area." She also said she thought they were "dangerous" and "block of the road completely" at times.
Another said, reacting to the new proposal: "What, because those rubber lumps aren't enough?"
Yet, some were more supportive and appreciated the council's logic behind the new double yellows. One woman said: "Every single day they park in the cycle lane, more so by the new houses as I head towards Bedford road lights. They also do it by the ferry by Risa Spice. It [happens] all the time.
Another said "This won't stop people stopping or the businesses parking outside unfortunately. I agree the bumps can be a pain but I don't know why people think they're 'dangerous' they are there to protect cars and cyclists".
The new double yellow lines will be installed on New Chester Road northeastern lane from the Rock Ferry bypass junction up until the junction with Legh Road. They will be installed on the southwestern lane from the Rock Ferry bypass junction until the junction with Bebington road.
In January 2021, when the cycle lanes were first announced, Cllr Liz Grey, Chair of Wirral Council's Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee, said: “These new measures will link up existing infrastructure making it easier and safer for people to travel by foot or bike.
“I hope these developments will encourage more people to embrace a more sustainable and green lifestyle by feeling confident to choose cycling and walking instead of driving, especially those living in the area who want to travel to the local facilities and services.”
Those living in the local area who wish to give any comments, questions or support to the new proposal can do so here.
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