I've complained to the council about daft obstructions on cycle path

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Binka

Über Member
Location
Lincoln, uk
Not really getting anywhere -is that to be expected?

Coming off the fairly new cycle path there's the usual low down n shaped metal barriers. Two of them which you weave through.

Then literally ten meters after this there is a double row of bollards, the two rows are staggered. So three in the first row and then two in the next row which is in the gaps between the three. The only way through the bollards is at an angle to the path.

Immediately behind these bollards is a small cattle grid. So you can not go on to the cattle grid head on. For some reason on the cattle grid there are three narrow strips of metal running at right angles to the normal cattle grid bars.

Not sure if they're meant to help cyclists but they make it worse as there's a gap between each metal strip and as your tyres hit it an angle I keep catching the edge of a strip and have come off twice since I started commuting this route four weeks ago. I have been cycling for over 20 years btw, so I don't think it's me being useless on a bike!

Council passed it on to some company who have responsibility for the nearby trunk road as they reckon the cycle path is also their responsibility. A site engineer has been out to visit.

He's emailed me saying that the bollards and n railings are needed to keep motorcyclists out......not sure why they need two sets. He says the cattle grid is to keep cattle out. Well there aren't cattle or other livestock in a five mile radius. They don't keep cows on the trunk road nor on the riverside cycle path so not sure why its needed. Nor is there a cattle grid at the other end of the path four miles away.

He says that no incidents have been reported........well I've told them I've fallen off twice but obviously that doesn't count. He says any changes would cost money which in today's financial climate can't be justified.

He suggests I get off and push if I struggle with the barriers. Which yes I can and think I'll have to, but when you're clipped in its a pain so I keep risking it.

Is it worth arguing a bit more or give up? Thanks.
 
I have no idea if I'm right, but given the litigation barmy age we live in, I wonder what the reaction would be if you pointed out in writing to the people that built the obstacles that you hold them responsible and liable for any damage or injury you suffer as a consequence of their act, omission or suffrage?

I would argue that in building the cycle path, they've acknowleged that the design of the trunk road is inadequate to protect the safety of vulnerable road users, so should you be forced to use it, it is their responsibility to protect you. As they've built the cycle path and obstacles, I'd say they have accepted responsibility and again are liable for any loss caused by people using it in a resonable manner.

I don't know if I'm right, I just don't feel they can absolve themselves by just saying get off and walk. In fact by suggesting it, they're admitting it's not fit for purpose.
 

gambatte

Middle of the pack...
Location
S Yorks
A cyclepath that obstructs cyclists....:wacko:
Secondary point – is it purely a cycle path or shared use? Would it be manageable by anyone say.. on a mobility scooter?
 

DrLex

merely the moocher
Location
Zummerset
No money for changes? Hi-viz waistcoat, hardhat, petrol disc cutter & an offcut of treadplate, and you're golden.
<Insert link to NYC bike chap installing bike rack here>
 

Amanda P

Legendary Member
No money for changes? Hi-viz waistcoat, hardhat, petrol disc cutter & an offcut of treadplate, and you're golden.
<Insert link to NYC bike chap installing bike rack here>
Exactly what I was going to say. Rent a slightly battered transit pickup and just cut down the obstructions - no-one will question you, and there's no money to replace them. Job done.

You might even have a legal right to remove obstructions blocking a right of way.... but I'm not sure.
 

deanE

Senior Member
Are cycle path you can’t cycle on? At the very least they should put up a sign that says “dismount” if that is what they expect you to do. Are you a member of CTC? report it to your local rep and get them onto it. Otherwise report it to the local newspaper. Embarrassing write up often oils wheels.
 

Leaway2

Lycrist
Coming off the fairly new cycle path there's the usual low down n shaped metal barriers. Two of them which you weave through.

Then literally ten meters after this there is a double row of bollards, the two rows are staggered. So three in the first row and then two in the next row which is in the gaps between the three. The only way through the bollards is at an angle to the path.

Immediately behind these bollards is a small cattle grid. So you can not go on to the cattle grid head on. For some reason on the cattle grid there are three narrow strips of metal running at right angles to the normal cattle grid bars.

.

Any chance of a piccy? 1000 words and all that.
 

downfader

extimus uero philosophus
Location
'ampsheeeer
I put in a query about an issue yesterday too.

You're doing the right thing, if they dont respond properly then take it to the papers. Waste of public money, sounds unsafe and a pointless exercise to navigate
 

Sandra6

Veteran
Location
Cumbria
If it's a shared use type path you need some mothers with pushchairs and old people in mobility scooters to join your cause.
I was coming down a shared path towards the river the other day, one I've used several times, it's a nice hill and if there's nobody coming (you can see to the end) you can have a good "wheeeeeee" moment.
Only they've put in some bollards half way down. I had that "will I fit?" moment. I went to one side and mr6 to the other, unfortunately my side was obstructed by a bush growing out of someone's garden so I had to slow to a crawl and weave through them. No way a double pushchair would fit. I don't know what the council is thinking most of the time.
 

Frood42

I know where my towel is
I was coming down a shared path towards the river the other day, one I've used several times, it's a nice hill and if there's nobody coming (you can see to the end) you can have a good "wheeeeeee" moment.
Only they've put in some bollards half way down.

They have probably put them in for that reason, to some the "wheeeeeee" moment.
They probably had some grumpy person complain...

Of course, I have no idea... who knows what is going through their minds, I have seen some weird things...
 
OP
OP
Binka

Binka

Über Member
Location
Lincoln, uk
Sorry, Internet has been down at home. I've taken a picture on my phone this afternoon, will try and get it on here
 
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