Liverpool's West Derby Road has become a "lawless" and "deadly" route for cyclists since a pop-up cycle lane — installed during the pandemic — was ripped out, local riders have said.
The full-lane segregation was introduced in 2020 (pictured below in September of that year), but following complaints from councillors and members of the public, it was removed last July.
Replaced by a narrower lane (pictured below in April 2021), cyclists say the route is regularly blocked by drivers parking to use the shops or with motorists pulling out across it.
One local rider described the route as "deadly", adding cyclists "take your life in your hands riding along it". Another, Stephen O'Connor, told the Liverpool Echo he may never ride again after being left bloodied by a crash on the route.
O'Connor was riding home in April when he braked sharply to avoid a man walking in the cycle lane who he had not seen because of cars parked around it. The 48-year-old commuter suffered cuts to his face and was treated in hospital.
After a decade of commuting by bike into the city, O'Connor told the local newspaper he is unlikely to cycle again unless road safety improves.
"I think the council seriously needs to look at this," he told the Liverpool Echo. My crash happened because cars were parked everywhere around the cycle lane, the bollards had been removed. I couldn't see the man walk out and when I swerved to try and avoid him I flew over the handlebars.
"There are no barriers or signs to tell people there is a cycle lane there. I'm really worried something bad could happen. My helmet was cracked down the middle, if I wasn't wearing it I might not be here now.
"They [West Derby Road's previous segregated cycle lanes] felt safe, this situation isn't safe. The council needs to take a look at it before someone else gets hurt."
Sounds like a form of congestion area fee. Should other congestion area fees be brought up to this level? Cars kill and maim many more people why...
For sure, but there is still no escaping that three hours out on your bike is three hours for your spouse solo with the children, which equally has...
A friendly reminder that the plural of Grand Prix is Grands Prix...
It's a pity they are still resolutely refusing to offer the ability to opt for a different crank length. Without being able to have 165mm cranks,...
I hope the bike business can keep going. That must be really demoralising. These thieves sound incredibly well organised. I expect the haul was out...
Tomorrow is 82 miles, vs. today's 50ish, and we'll be climbing The Lecht. Per the book, "the start of which is a leading contender for the most...
Well you must have just got lucky, because for sure a custom wheelbuilder would have no motivation for telling you that a mass-market product is...
So are you saying it was a bit like the Auriol Grey scenario...? That the pedestrian was scared and reflexively lashed out at the person on two...
Could be the pivot bolt that attaches the derailleur to the frame. You'll need to undo the cage to get to it, but the pivot bolt is just a hex key...
Given the sheer number of absolutely ludicrous KOM's I think you imagine wrongly that Strava give a damn about bad rides on their platform.