Poole Archives

Poole

Reform UK pledges to reopen park rat-run closed to promote cycling… on the same day motorist drives into lake in park

The entrance to heritage-listed Poole Park, previously used by rat-running drivers as a cut-through near Sandbanks, one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in the country, was permanently closed in 2024

Thu, Jun 04, 2026 16:12

“They’re moaning because they have to drive properly”: Cyclists blast Mail and Sun over “nonsense” claims ‘11ft-wide’ bike lane is “barely used” and “dangerous”; Pogačar’s agent dismisses crypto concerns; Cyclists “an afterthought” + more on the live blog

What do you mean there’s no bike racing on TV today? Anyway, Ryan Mallon’s here to help you deal with the withdrawal symptoms on the Monday live blog. Let’s just hope he can keep a firmer grip on the cycling news than England’s approach to a rugby ball…

Mon, Mar 16, 2026 10:06

“It feels like little shards of broken glass”: 13-year-old girl injured on new cycle lane surface, as council faces safety questions

The family believe that the loose surface of the cycle lane caused the teenager to fall off her scooter, in an incident described as “every mother’s nightmare”

Mon, Mar 02, 2026 13:11

Driver claims cyclist punched him in face and threw bike at car, causing £1,000 worth of damage, after motorist hit him “at about 2mph”

“I was travelling very slowly at about 2mph, so nothing happened to the bike rider, but he became very aggressive,” the driver said

Thu, Aug 28, 2025 10:05

Controversial ‘driveway-blocking’ cycle lane wands revealed to have cost £20,000, but under-fire council defends scheme from critics upset “you can’t just reverse out fast any more”

Councillor insists wands are "relatively low in cost" and necessary because of drivers' pavement parking, the criticism from some outraged residents centred around claims their driveways have been blocked

Mon, Mar 17, 2025 17:00

Tree cut down on Ringwood Road during cycle lane works, Poole

“Is that the tree repeatedly struck by passing vehicles?” Fuming residents slam “eco-vandalism” as bike lane project sees 10 trees cut down “all for the odd cyclist” – but locals ridicule “nature-loving car drivers mourning tree loss”

After motorists claimed the new cycle lane project was “anything but green”, the council said the trees have “overgrown the available space” and obstructed the footpath

Thu, Dec 19, 2024 15:30

Wimborne Road cycle lane wands (YouTube/DorsetSaferRoads)

Controversial cycle lane wands go viral as furious residents lash out at “blocked” driveways, but local cyclist suggests outrage “overblown” and bike lane bollards only necessary because drivers park in it

One resident is upset "you can't just reverse out fast any more", but the council's roads chief pointed out the wands were installed so cyclists "feel confident that they are safe" and to prevent drivers blocking the route with parked vehicles

Mon, Nov 11, 2024 16:08

Cyclists Dismount sign, Ringwood Road, Poole

“Do they ever tell drivers to get out and push?” Locals slam ‘Cyclists Dismount and Use Footway’ signs as cycle lane closed due to roadworks, leading to “horrifying” close passes – but council insists signs “comply to required legal standards”

“It’s so easy to sort out. But instead of telling drivers not to overtake cyclists because there isn’t room, they’ve told the cyclists to get out of the way and get on the pavement”

Fri, Jun 07, 2024 18:36

Poole Park (Facebook/Leave Poole Park Alone)

Motorists to launch legal challenge against “totally undemocratic” decision to close park rat-run to drivers to “appease the cycling brigade”

Councillors voted this week to close an entrance to the heritage-listed park, used by rat-running drivers as a cut-through near Sandbanks, one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in the country

Mon, May 27, 2024 17:13

Park rat-run to remain closed to drivers to promote cycling, following trial made controversial by “vocal minority who drive straight through the park”

The road closure was introduced to prevent rat-running drivers using the heritage listed park in a conservation area as a cut-through near Sandbanks, one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in the country

Thu, Feb 15, 2024 11:28