22nd June 2011

LYME REGIS: Fears over safety of proposed cycle route

By Philip Evans

LYME Regis town councillors have agreed to consult with the county county’s cycle expert before proceeding with plans to establish a cycle path along the new Cart Road.

Before discussing the proposal, which has been on the council’s agenda for a couple of years, at a meeting of the Strategy and Policy Committee, former councillor Peter Williams, who uses the Cart Road frequently in a wheelchair, read a statement during the public forum session.

Mr Williams, who served on the town council for two decades before losing his seat in the May elections, said the council would have to “abandon” its claim to having a “traffic-free” seafront if they approved the cycle path plan.

He also called for an independent risk assessment on the proposal, but asked that this be carried out at peak times when the Cart Road was busy and not early in the morning.

He said there would also have to be full consultation with the owners of the Rinky Tinks ice-cream parlour, beach hut owners and Dorset County Council.

Mr Williams continued: “I probably spend more time than any councillor along this part of the Cart Road and see small children and adults just walk out of their huts without looking.

“On many occasions I have seen cyclists impatiently trying to overtake pedestrians where there is little room. This is a place where an accident is waiting to happen.

“To hire beach huts to the public and then put a cycle path in front where small children can and will run or even walk out, is totally inconsiderate.”

Town clerk Mike Lewis said he was seeking a meeting with the officer responsible for cycle paths and they would also be consulting the county road safety team.

Councillor Barbara Austin said there would be many health and safety issues to consider, pointing out there was a high volume of children using the Cart Road in July and August.

“We are responsible for ensuring their safety,” she said.

Councillor Daryl Turner pointed out that the council was unable to stop anyone cycling along the Cart Road because there were no by-laws in place and a cycle path could be safer in the future.

Councillor Lucy Campbell, who originally raised the idea of a cycle path, said it was not the idea to have a dedicated area for cyclists as this could cause a lot of conflict with other Cart Road users.

“It will be better to have a combined use,” she said.

Councillor Chris Clipson said they did not want the issue to “run on and on”.

Mr Lewis said the council would take a decision after receiving proper advice from the county.

Committee chairman Mark Gage said: “We want to move this along as soon as possible. I am one of the guilty ones who cycles along the Cart Road but I always give way to the public.”

Councillor George Symonds pointed out that some cyclists went along the Cart Road like “a bat out of hell”, adding: “I see this on a regular basis.”