A proposed cycle lane along the North Tyneside coast has provoked mixed reactions in Whitley Bay.
North Tyneside council plans to create a cycle lane from North Shields Fish Quay to St Mary’s Lighthouse.
According to the local authority, the scheme, dubbed the Seafront Sustainable Route, aims to “make it easier for people to choose active and green ways of getting around while better connecting communities and coastal businesses and attractions”.
Read More: This week's roadworks and closures
The scheme is supported by a £3.5m grant from Active Travel England. The project is based on a six week consultation exercise launched in October last year which generated 11,000 comments from 1,500 people.
The council also stated drivers will still be able to travel along the seafront between Whitley Bay and Tynemouth in both directions. However, traffic will be reduced to 20 miles an hour and “traffic calming measures” could be introduced.
Speaking to ChronicleLive, Mr Thomson of Whitley Bay’s The Links, said: “I think the speed of the road is one thing which I don’t think would get approval from people.
“I don’t see why cyclists can’t be directed to use the promenade. Most go on the promenade as a convenience anyway. I don’t think we would welcome it.
“We have had some experiences in the past processes, where the council has been careful to ask people’s opinion and in the most part they do accept people’s opinions.
“I think if they are determined, given the previous scheme was so disruptive and shocking, I dont think they're going to change their spots.”
John Taylor, also from Whitley Bay, said: “I’m not very happy with it and they are going to drop the speed limit and slow cars to 20mph which doesn’t help.
“They built the cycle path on the Broadway and nobody uses it.
"I’ve cycled for years and I have never had any bother at all. It’s another green tax.”
Local kitchen fitter Ben Trousdale said: “Cyclists already have a lane to the lighthouse, the majority still choose the road.
“As for lowering the speed of the road in peak summer it will be at a complete standstill forcing cars to take back streets which would normally be quiet and safe for children to play out.
“It didn’t work last time but here we go again.”
Majorie Golding, of Ventnor Gardens and a former cyclist of many years, said: “I would be all for it if they are used but they are not used. I can’t understand it, there are cycle tracks from the Briar Dene to the Broadway on both sides of the road.
“I think 20mph along the front is excessive because traffic calming measures are there already. Cyclists have as much right to be on the road as us but please use the facilities that are there.”
Construction could start in September 2022 but will be phased to avoid disruption at the busiest times.
Do you support the cycle lane? Comment below.
