Scenic seafront route for cyclists
By Herald Express | Thursday, February 02, 2012, 08:00
CYCLISTS can enjoy a better view of the sea after the council opened new lanes in Paignton.
The contraflow route along Eastern Esplanade will allow them to use the scenic section of highway in both directions while the road is open to traffic.
It will link into future cycle lanes which will form part of the National Cycle Route through Torbay.
Cllr Robert Excell, member for safer communities and transport, said: "Contraflow cycle lanes have been used successfully throughout the country, enabling cyclists to make use of one-way streets in a safe and legal manner.
"Our scheme allows cyclists to enjoy the views across Torbay while avoiding the more heavily trafficked Esplanade Road.
"During the summer months, when the seafront is closed to traffic, an exemption to cyclists will apply so they can enjoy using this route throughout the year.
"We are pleased to open up another section of our National Cycle Network. I am sure it will prove very popular with both local and visiting cyclists due to its proximity to Paignton beach and the adjacent amenities.
"It also provides a safer route than using the busier Esplanade Road, and shows our continuing investment in sustainable transport in Torbay.
"This is a new facility, and I would remind everyone using the Eastern Esplanade of the importance of keeping their eyes and ears open and being aware of other people around them.
"When the area is busy with pedestrians cyclists need to be aware of their speed and cycle in an appropriate manner to ensure that the area can be enjoyed by everyone."
Comments
@Tatxtal
You're so far off the mark it's almost laughable. Statistically (source http://tinyurl.com/7thghuo , government figures) a pedestrian is under far greater threat of death or serious injury from a car than from a cycle. You are 236 times more likely to be killed by a motor vehicle than by a cycle. In the past ten years, 7,600 pedestrians were killed by motor vehicles, only 29 by cyclists. (source http://tinyurl.com/7thghuo)
Furthermore, in the year to Sept 2010 17,430 cyclists were injured on the roads. As I said earlier, 80% of those can be expected to be the fault of a driver. Building cycle lanes off the roads makes perfect sense if you wish to lower casualties.
Motor vehicles are responsible for around 3000 deaths annually. Cyclists approximately 3 annually. If you're concerned for the safety of pedestrians your campaign should be directed at removing motor vehicles from the roads. Deaths and injuries caused by cyclists are almost negligible when compared to the carnage wrought by cars on a daily basis.
By milesnagop at 12:40 on 08/02/12
ReportYet another Dumb idea by a Dumb Council!
And at what cost?
Mixing Cyclists with holidaying pedestrians is a recipe for trouble .
Torbay Council should be prepared for claims for injury's or even deaths.
And yes the council will be responsible a risk assessment was not carried out as required by the Dept for Transport, nor it appears have the proper procedure been carried out for such a bylaw or at least no record of it is in Hansard that I can find.
Once again the council still thinks it can make its own Laws and to hell with Westminster.
Trev
By tatxtal at 08:50 on 08/02/12
ReportUnfortunately the levels of ignorance are far too great for any legislation.
By Roadie79 at 17:30 on 07/02/12
Report@ MrPPreston
I hope pedestrians stick to their paths and don't wander all over the road and bike lane.
By mikelister66 at 17:29 on 07/02/12
ReportThere will be carnage here in the summer, as people amble across the cycle path eating ice cream and cyclists assume a lick of paint on the road makes them indestructible.
By BuddytheElf at 15:49 on 07/02/12
ReportShow all Comments