Yahoo News Tynemouth cyclist calls for improved cycle lane safety after breaking ribs and collarbone
A Tynemouth man is calling for greater safety measures on the new seafront cycle lane following an accident which left him in hospital for five days.
On July 28, Garry Thompson, 66, intended to enjoy a leisurely cycle on the newly installed lane between the Gibraltar Rock pub and the Grand Hotel. However, around 50m from the pub, Garry encountered a pedestrian stepping into the lane.
Trying to avoid a collision, the retired gas and oil pipeline engineer went over his handlebars and crashed into the newly installed kerb in the middle of the road.
Read More: Longer-term investment for cycling vowed following Government minister's trip to Tynemouth seafront
The pedestrian stuck around to help, and Garry was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle by ambulance.
The retiree needed five staples to his head and suffered eight fractured ribs and a broken collarbone.
Now, Garry is calling for more to be done to separate pedestrians from the cycle lane to prevent future accidents.
Garry said: “I ended up with five staples in my head, a broken collarbone, and eight fractured ribs. I was probably doing four miles an hour because it’s uphill and there is nothing to stop pedestrians coming onto the cycle lane.
“It’s all well and good putting signs up but people will walk on the cycle track. They wouldn’t walk onto a road, but a cycle track? It doesn't have the same threat.”
He continued: “Really there needs to be something on the part of the road from the Grand Hotel up, where they have got about 57 car parking spaces, where people are getting out, and crossing the road and the cycle track with their surfboards and their kids. It doesn't really work.
“I do think it needs addressing before either a kid or an older person gets hurt.”
Paul Watson, head of highways and transportation at North Tyneside Council said: “I was very concerned to learn about the incident involving Mr Thompson, and I wish him a full recovery.
“The new seafront route was designed with safety as our top priority. It adheres to national design standards and provides clearly marked, separate spaces for cyclists and pedestrians, with different coloured surfaces, and signage. The route includes a range of pedestrian safety improvements, including several new zebra crossings and a buffer zone where people can safely wait to cross the cycle lane after parking on the street.
“While these changes may take time to get used to, we urge all cyclists, pedestrians and drivers to take care and be aware of their surroundings, just as they would on any road. We are committed to maintaining high safety standards and ensuring that our seafront route works for all users.”
The cycle lane made headlines last week, hosting an official governmental visit from the local transport minister Simon Lightwood MP.
Mr Lightwood, alongside North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and Olympic gold medallist Chris Boardman, visited the lane to emphasize his government’s commitment to similar schemes not just in the North East but nationally.
