Latest news with #cyclinginfrastructure
The Guardian
6 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
Forceful bike campaigners can undermine UK cycle lane planning, report finds
Few things rouse the ire of disgruntled road users more than cycle lanes. But a report has unveiled a surprising obstacle for local councils when planning bike infrastructure: cyclists. The study, based on interviews with dozens of councillors and local officials who lead on transport projects across the UK, found that opponents of bikes lanes and similar projects were the most uniformly hostile, but sceptical cycle campaigners were some of the harshest critics. The research, published in the journal Local Government Studies, found that slightly less than one-third of interactions about new projects with pro-cycling voices were seen as negative. One respondent to the research wrote: 'Cycling campaigners are mostly counterproductive due to their rudeness.' Another said they felt that councils 'find it harder to advocate for more cycle infrastructure, not because people don't like it, but because people feel that (from their impression from social media) nothing we ever do will make cyclists happy'. As another put it, while social media posts from cyclists might be aimed at pushing for more action, they 'can massively undermine [cycling's] case, particularly with sceptical councillors'. In a wider lesson for campaigners of all stripes, the nearly 50 councillors and officials who responded to the study said that while people on social media were often opinionated and noisy, they tended to be listened to less then those who chose other ways to communicate. Asked to list the forms of engagement most influential on eventual decisions, the councillors and officials almost all cited emails and face-to-face chats, with posts on Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites seen as much more peripheral. The study, by Dr Alexander Nurse, a reader in urban planning at the University of Liverpool, found multiple concerns about a 'very toxic' and 'often abusive' debate about cycling, although this was primarily down to opponents, and often those posting anonymously on social media. This occasionally went beyond virtual targeting, with one councillor describing having details of their address and family published as a threat, while another respondent said they were followed in the street and their family was abused. Such extreme opposition, the report concluded, generally seemed to be less a reflection of actual local sentiment than, as one person called it, 'misinformation … from the libertarian fringe or organisations'. Nurse said: 'This study reveals the shocking extent of abuse directed at public officials, some of which spills into real-world intimidation. One respondent even feared for their children's safety. Sign up to First Edition Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion 'While social media is a powerful tool, it doesn't replace traditional methods when it comes to meaningful community engagement. 'Interestingly, we also found that well-meaning but overly forceful advocacy –particularly from pro-cycling campaigners – can sometimes undermine the very schemes they are trying to support. 'Although focused on cycling infrastructure, the study has broader implications for local democracies worldwide, especially those grappling with complex issues, such as climate action, urban planning, housing and public space.'
BBC News
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Praise for new cycle lane on A52 but 'we need more'
Cyclists have praised investment in a new cycle lane on a section of the A52, but say more work is needed to make them feel Stewart, a bicycle mechanic, welcomed the addition of a cycle lane on the "very busy" stretch of road between the Priory and Queen's Medical Centre (QMC) roundabouts in he said "our cycling infrastructure is nowhere near where it should be".Ian Doust, programme development manager from National Highways in the Midlands, said the roadworks due to start later in May would "provide the travel standards that cyclists and pedestrians need". Mr Stewart, who lives in Derbyshire but cycles to The Bike Lounge in Beeston for work, has said he avoids the A52 on his commute as "it's not very cycling-friendly"."Most cyclists tend to try and find a quieter road, especially in the rush hour because they don't want to fight with the traffic," he said."So the fact that they're building and improving the cycle infrastructure has got to be a good thing."Once the cycle lane is finished he would be able to take "a more direct route into the city", he Mr Stewart emphasised that improvements were needed in the rest of the city. "If you compare us to cities in Europe in particular, we are way behind where we should be in terms of reducing traffic congestion and encouraging people to use forms of transport other than cars."John McCay, who runs the Beeston Cycle Club, said cycle lanes needed to be "universal"."It's all well and good on that part of the road, but then the cycle lane will stop," he added."From the QMC roundabout onwards if you're cycling into town you basically have to be invisible."If you're going to change it, do it properly or not at all." Katherine Albert, 65, is a self-declared lifelong cyclist who lives in Wollaton, near where the roadworks are due to take place. "I don't cycle up Derby Road because there's no cycle lane," she said. "So I think a cycle path sounds excellent."When potholes are very close to the edge of the road it makes it difficult to cycle there, so you have to cycle more into the middle of the road and that irritates the drivers."The issue has also been flagged by Mr Stewart, who said he had noticed an increase in damage caused by potholes, adding: "In the bike shop we get a lot of cyclists coming in with damaged wheels and punctures where they've hit potholes. "It's a real problem." Miguel Gentil Fernandez, an avid cyclist from Wollaton, is an associate professor at the University of Nottingham, specialising in urban planning. "All along Derby Road, it's very very dangerous for cyclists," he noted."So many of them feel that the only option is to go on the pavement. And that's obviously unsafe for pedestrians."He said he would "love" to see a dedicated cycle lane on the A52."I come from Seville where there is 200km (124m) of cycle lanes. "It completely changed the city. It changed people's moods. They're happier now they're not stuck in traffic." National Highways has said the A52 roadworks which are expected to take a year to complete would begin on 19 May. The agency hopes the scheme, which includes resurfacing the road, will make journeys "safer and smoother" for plans include building a combined cycleway and footway on the eastbound side of the A52 during the also involves rebuilding parts of the ageing drainage system as well as upgrading street lighting, bus stops and pedestrian crossings on the road development manager Ian Doust said: "By doing all of this work at the same time we can significantly reduce the number of road closures and amount of roadworks needed."The work is set to be complete by spring 2026, although an exact date is yet to be confirmed.
