Cyclists slam danger path
Cyclists have slammed Surrey County Council over dangerous hazards along a cycle path in Dorking.
A writer with a national bicycle magazine and Mole Valley Cycling Forum say overhanging branches and a lamppost in the centre of the A24 route, near Dorking Deepdene rail station, are putting riders at risk.
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Danger: Keith Bingham and John Meudell say a lamppost and overhanging branches are among obstacles cyclists are being forced to dodge Photo No: RSMak100809-A01 by Alec Kingham
The forum had called on the council to make it safer as part of recent repair works to Pippbrook Bridge.
But members were furious when the authority just repainted a small section, leaving the same obstacles in the way.
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Keith Bingham, of West Street, Dorking, writes for Cycling Weekly and regularly uses the route on his journey to work.
He said: "It is absolutely atrocious. You have to ask yourself, would you put a lamppost in the middle of the road? No. The mindset is it is only a cycle lane, we won't do anything about it."
John Meudell, chairman of MVCF, said the least the council could do was trim the tree and stick hazard tape on the offending lamppost.
He said: "We put in a complaint about it months ago and all they have done is move the line a little bit to one side, when what they should have done is paint two lines marking the inner and outer edge of the cycle lane which cleared the lamppost.
"The other concern was the trees hanging down in the way so potentially a cyclist might not see the lamppost at night.
"They clearly have made just a superficial attempt to repaint something that was fundamentally wrong in the first place."
But a Surrey County Council spokesman said the authority took "great care" to ensure the network of paths was kept in good condition for the safety and enjoyment of cyclists.
He said: "We regularly inspect the network, but we are always grateful to hear from cyclists who spot any problems so we can sort them out as soon as possible."
Comments
by Dave Kahn, Twickenham
Friday, August 28 2009, 5:03PM
“"We regularly inspect the network, but we are always grateful to hear from cyclists who spot any problems so we can sort them out as soon as possible."
Hmm... How to account for the discrepancy between the council Spokesman's meaningless twaddle and the reality? Until cycle facilities are designed and maintained for cyclists to use by authorities who actually care about cycling they will remain marginally useful at best and downright dangerous at worst.”
by Psyklist, redhill
Wednesday, August 26 2009, 9:49AM
“In Redhill near Halfords on the Brighton Road we have a bus shelter in the middle of the bike lane.
Top trumps :-)”