Cyclists concerned about 'slippery' new cycle lane

A university has written to its local authority with concerns over the safety of a new cycle lane near one of its campuses, following reports of slip accidents.

Road and cycle path improvements on the A4174 Ring Road between Bromley Heath and Frenchay in South Gloucestershire finished last November.

Staff at the university of the West of England's Frenchay campus have reported slip accidents and near misses while using the new cycle lane.

A spokesperson at South Gloucestershire Council said it has no concerns about the surface of the cycle path and asked people to take extra care during freezing conditions - adding surfaces can be slippery even after gritting.

Lukas Greiwe, who cycles to work, said the cycle lane was "very slippery" shortly after it was installed due to wet leaves on the path.

He said he was concerned about a ledge which divides the cycle route from the pedestrian lane which runs alongside it.

"There is a height difference between the lanes.

"Now I know it's there, but for someone who cycles for the first time or cycles in the dark, I think you can miss the ledge quite easily."

A council spokesperson added that it "routinely inspects that area of the network both proactively and where any concerns have been raised".

The cost of the road and cycle improvements was funded by the Department for Transport and secured by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.

Sean Rhodes, cabinet member for communities and local place at South Gloucestershire Council, called the completion of the improvements "a major milestone" in providing "more sustainable travel choices" across the county.

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