Plans for a “fantastic” new cycleway have been approved by councillors, despite opposition from the local police amid concerns about anti-social behaviour caused by illegal bike and motorbike users, with the proposed infrastructure described by one local as a potential “highway for illegal e-bikes on drug runs”.
Last week, Stockton Council’s planning committee signed off on a planned new cycle and footway to be situated on land, through a park and green space, to the east of Clarendon Road, Thornaby, North Yorkshire.
The cycling and pedestrian route, which will connect Milbank Lane to St Patrick’s Catholic College, forms part of the local authority’s plans to deliver a joined-up network of cycle routes across Thornaby to improve access to the town centre and connect with existing cycling infrastructure in the south of the town.
During a public consultation process last year, Cleveland Police said it did not support the proposed route as it had the potential to “exacerbate issues of motorcycle nuisance”. Residents who live near the parcel of land to be used for the infrastructure also questioned whether they would be “met with two lanes of cycle path when exiting their gardens”.
At a meeting of the council’s planning committee last week, Cleveland Police reiterated its opposition to the scheme, despite the local authority agreeing to changes intended to combat anti-social behaviour, including removing fewer trees and installing barriers and rocks along the route.
Other objectors argued that the “revised proposals have not gone far enough to protect the area from anti-social behaviour”, the Stockton Times reports.
According to one resident, based on the council’s plans, “the rear of properties are exposed with increased footfall and a highway for illegal e-bikes on drug runs and suchlike”. They also claimed that the scheme would make it “impossible” for dog walkers and children to enjoy the path, while concerns were also raised about potential flooding and the loss of green space.
In response to these objections, the council said the route would also be lit to reduce anti-social behaviour (while noting that there was no evidence the scheme would increase crime in the area), and that the proposed bike path was designed with the safety of children in mind.
Speaking in support of the proposals, Thornaby town councillor Steve Godwin said: “It’s an excellent project which has been developed across Thornaby.
“We are very au fait with the challenges that piece of land brings. However, none of the challenges put forward I would say are insurmountable.
“Looking at the new proposals, it would appear that the area would be far safer with them than without them. It’s an important scheme and I think it’s fantastic it comes right the way through Thornaby.
“It connects the top end of Thornaby with the bottom. It gives access to St Patrick’s School, which allows children and others to walk and ride there.”
Addressing the issue of illegal bike use and nuisance behaviour, Godwin continued: “Whilst it’s difficult to stop the electric bikes, the cars and quad bikes would definitely be challenged in gaining access to that area with the new proposals.
“We’re well aware of the complexities around parking. Within Thornaby alone over the last eight years, there have been 36 incidents which involve cars and bikes, seven of those resulted in seven serious incidents and the rest were classed as slight.
“The roads around the whole school complex or complexes within Thornaby are manic at certain times of the day. So anything that gives an opportunity to avoid that mania is certainly welcome.”
At the meeting, Stockton Council’s officers recommended that the planning committee approve the scheme, with the committee unanimously passing the proposals.
Planning services manager Simon Grundy said: “Whilst the comments and lack of support from Cleveland Police are acknowledged, the proposed mitigation measures would help to reduce opportunities for anti-social behaviour.
“The concerns over crime and anti-social behaviour, but they fall outside the scope of this application. On balance there is not considered to be sufficient evidence to strongly indicate a direct link between the proposals and any further nuisance occurring.”
1 thought on “Police oppose new cycle lane amid fears of “a highway for illegal e-bikes on drug runs” – but council insists area will be safer and avoid “mania” of local roads”
Having watched a couple of episodes of Police, Camera, Action. I’m eagerly awaiting the Police call to close the M62.