Essex County Council Archives

Essex County Council

Vineyard Street cycle lane markings, Colchester

“Grossly irresponsible” road markings directing cyclists into “head-on confrontation with cars”, claims former Lib Dem MP – as “nowhere to nowhere” cycle lane blamed for loss of parking spaces

Sir Bob Russell claimed he has never seen “such ludicrous road markings before”, while claiming that the bike lane was responsible for costing the council revenue

Sat, Apr 25, 2026 16:34

Cycle lane plans branded dangerous due to “cars reversing into road” from driveways – but council simply tells drivers to be “on the lookout for cyclists and pedestrians”

“I have had several residents contact me about it saying that they think it’s awful and you don’t normally get that,” one councillor said

Fri, Mar 27, 2026 12:18

Head Street cycle lane, Colchester (Essex Highways)

Local High Steward blames congestion on new “cycle-only” traffic light on bike lane which services “very few cyclists”… but data shows over 400 cyclists using it every day, with cycling levels continuing to rise

The former Lib Dem MP said that cyclists should manually activate the light on the controversial bike lane, however the council said that it will continue to run automatically so “no one goes undetected and gets stuck on a red light”

Wed, Oct 23, 2024 14:55

Cycling levels up and “positive” reaction to new cycle lane celebrated by council, one month on from outspoken critics claiming it was “accident waiting to happen for pedestrians” and would “cause carnage on the roads”

The infrastructure, built in the same city where a cyclist was recently incorrectly fined £100 for riding on a shared-use path, could "revolutionise people's journeys" according to a local cycling group

Mon, Jun 10, 2024 16:24

Council rubbishes residents’ cycle lane complaints

Council rubbishes concerned residents’ claims new cycle route will attract crime and increase insurance premiums

"A formalised route is unlikely to cause an increase in antisocial behaviour or have an impact on insurance premiums"

Sat, Jun 01, 2024 18:13

New protected cycle lane – in city where cyclist was fined for riding on bike path – slammed as “accident waiting to happen for pedestrians” that will “cause carnage on the roads”

However, a local cycling group says the new bike lane will “revolutionise people’s journeys”, coaxing them out of their cars, and giving “thousands” of children the “choice” to cycle to school everyday

Wed, May 01, 2024 15:24

Head Street, Colchester (Colchester Cycling Campaign(

“Obstacle course” cycle junction a “ruse to drive motorists out of the town”, claim drivers – but cyclists praise long-awaited layout change

The council said it understood some concerns, but stressed the road markings have been designed to “help cyclists navigate the different routes” and were subject to a road safety audit before installation

Wed, Apr 10, 2024 15:56

Council pays cyclist five-figure settlement over “harrowing” pothole crash

"It was an incredibly challenging period in my life," the rider commented on the incident which saw them thrown from their bike, suffering multiple fractures

Tue, Jul 18, 2023 16:13

Council makes U-turn on “discriminatory” ban on cyclists at recycling centres

Essex County Council says bikes will now be allowed in the facilities and not left at gate

Thu, Feb 02, 2023 19:26

RideLondon Freecycle (picture credit TfL)

RideLondon: Essex urged to focus on road safety ahead of revamped sportive

Predicted increase in Essex cycling could be a positive legacy for county as it prepares to host the UK's biggest sportive, but cyclists say safety work needed

Tue, Nov 09, 2021 11:28