Readers say 'good - expand it' as £2.4m Coventry cycle lane plan moves forward
CoventryLive readers have been discussing plans for a £2 million cycleway in Coventry. The plan is moving forward, but public opinion remains divided on the project.
A city councillor has given the green light for work to commence on the nearly £2.4 million project and the proposed 500-metre two-way track will be constructed on London Road in Whitley. Funding for the cycleway is sourced from a government grant, but regional chiefs still need to approve the business case, according to meeting documents.
However, public sentiment about the scheme is split. While some survey respondents supported it, describing it as a "positive step for the city", an equal number opposed the move with critics labelling the cycleway a "waste of money".
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One resident accused the council of being "obsessed with cycle lanes," despite being "in financial difficulty". There were also specific concerns raised about congestion in the area and doubts over whether the cycleway would be used at all.
Council officers, however, have argued that the changes will encourage cycling and walking in the area and help address pollution concerns. The plans indicate that the cycleway will primarily be built on the highway and will remain separate from pedestrian paths.
While traffic lanes will be narrowed, officers assured this will not lead to safety or congestion issues. Other modifications to the road, including the removal of the central reserve, are also planned.
Commenter Hippy says: “First of all it is not the Council funding these, it is the Government. I live in Coundon and the one they installed on Coundon Rd/Barker Butts Lane hardly gets used. A waste of money in my opinion. Maybe in 10 yrs time they will all be removed as per the bus lanes who knows?”
Bobinder writes: “Brilliant, can we now have no lane markings? They'll only rub out eventually. Narrower roads so cyclists and buses can travel closer together. Bus gates on each junction of the ring road, We don't want cars in the city centre. Roundabouts where traffic can flow in any direction, remove all road signage to save on costs. More speed and ANPR cameras to aid pay per mile driving. Less lighting on motorways and local roads and finally a new tax or levy on drivers!”
Deleteme thinks: “I drive, but I cycle where possible. I drive where cycle lanes aren't available because of the aggressive drivers on the roads now. That also applies when I drive, but obviously is not as dangerous to me. Maybe when all the cycle lanes link up more people will cycle. There is that much traffic these days. Surely anything that removes some of it will help those who don't cycle? Some people are so intolerant these days, are their lives so important they have to be aggressive drivers?”
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CovKid replies: “I don't have a problem with cycle lanes, although I don't think that many people will take up cycling and give up their cars. What I object to is cyclists who still ride on the road holding up traffic when there is a virtually empty purpose built cycle lane a few feet away. I also wonder whether the planners give any thought to the safety of pedestrians.”
Covgirl00 says: “This is good news, and all paid for by a grant. I hope they expand it to the otherside of the roundabout past Asda towards David Lloyd. I'd be able to get to work safer.”
Destroyedcountry retorts: “Typical cyclist! If you want it so much then pay something towards it, get insured and pass a test to prove you’re capable of using a public road system, until then get a bus!
CHELLE writes: “Look at the usage of the current cycle paths; they are barely used! It's a waste of money when the Council is claiming poverty and making cuts to services. Invest in what is needed, not every road needs a cycle path, it is not Amsterdam.”
Johnboy1965 adds: “Waste of money! Why doesn't the Council and the government put their hands up and admit they want motorists off the road?”
mark c thinks: “This is great news for thousands of Coventry people who can’t afford a car.”
Nicfontain replies: "Better news for those that can't afford a car would be that the City Council had stopped spending money on cycle paths and reduced the Council Tax instead!”
Ijg writes: “Apparently cycling is going out of fashion. Halfords are selling far fewer bikes now than they were during Covid times. All these cycle lanes will just be empty tarmac, a tribute to a cycling fad.”
Waitwat replies: “It's no surprise places are selling less bikes than during covid, because that is when the roads were quiet and people felt it was safe to cycle. Over that period there was a 2x increase in people cycling, 3x on the weekend. However this disappeared when the roads got busier again.”
Tomiki says: “All this will do is create traffic jams if they reduce the lanes for traffic.”
anne g murray agrees: “Another unnecessary expenditure on our roads, will just cause more gridlock coming off A45. Already very poor access and now they want to narrow it. This will cause accidents as a lot of vehicles are now very oversized and often verge on or cross over the central line in the road.”
Disorganised1 adds: “Cycle lanes increase pollution, slow down traffic, and are little used. These are facts. I have yet to see any evidence that cycle lanes make cycling safer.”
How do you feel about the new cycle lane? Will it make it easier for people to cycle safely or just cause traffic chaos? Have your say in our comments section.