Verdict given on £5,000 signpost work for cyclists

Readers have reacted in force to our story about Lancashire County Council spending more than £5,000 raising three signposts in Preston.
Road signs on Ringway in Preston which have been adjusted to allow cyclists to pass underneath on the shared-space pavementRoad signs on Ringway in Preston which have been adjusted to allow cyclists to pass underneath on the shared-space pavement
Road signs on Ringway in Preston which have been adjusted to allow cyclists to pass underneath on the shared-space pavement

It has been revealed the reason for the work, on three signs, is to prevent cyclists hitting their heads as they use the new ‘shared space’ from a path linking Marsh Lane to Ringway, along Ringway and Corporation Street.

The work has cost a total of £5,273 and also involves markings for the new section, hedge cutting and new fencing.

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But the majority of comments left on the Evening Post’s website and social media pages, suggest taxpayers are not happy with the scheme

Kath Croston said: “Shame they can’t spend it on our crumbling roads, then cyclist may want to use them rather than the pavements.”

Donna Slater said: “Cyclists should be on the road. Kids get told to get of the side when riding bikes. But then again if they went on roads they would go head-first over handle bars with size of them pot holes.”

Brian Taylor said: “Signs on the footpath, cyclists should be on the road, problem solved. Cost to hard working tax payer £0.00. Wasn’t that difficult was it?”

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However, some readers agreed with the County Council’s argument that the work was to provide a safe off-road shared-use section into the city centre, designed at easing congestion.

Nichola Ditchburn said: “Common sense prevails that this has been done where cycle paths exist to ease the congestion and accident rate.

“Cyclists on existing cycle paths having to suddenly and abruptly enter the road traffic due to obstacles in the way of the path are dangerous...this is a good thing! Expensive but will ease congestion and prevent accidents.”