Argument into impact of cycle lanes on UK roads
- Oct 12, 2016
- EmmaArnold
A recent article in the Daily Mail has blamed cycle lanes for car congestion on the roads which caused a Guardian journalist to retaliate.
In London, residents have complained that using an additional lane solely for cyclists is creating a build-up of traffic, bringing cars to a standstill.
But do cycle lanes really play such a vital part in the congestion? Some argue enabling more cyclists to use the road means more people are able to use the roads at any one time.
Hugh Potter, Partner and personal injury solicitor at PotterReesDolan, said:
Daily Mail spot on as usual. No doubt if cars were entirely replaced by bikes the pollution would treble..... Errrr
The Guardian piece quotes a comment on the original article which points out that there is a well-established provision in residential areas in other parts of the UK and in the Netherlands.
Jeremy Smith recently took a trip to Utrecht in the Netherlands which he dubbed a cycling paradise:
Last week I had a short break in Utrecht, which I discovered is a beautiful and relaxed city only 30 minutes train ride from Amsterdam. One of the features which make it so attractive is the huge number of residents who use a bicycle as their normal means of transport.
There were thousands of people of all ages cycling around sedately, mostly on well-marked and segregated cycle lanes. Where they came into contact with traffic, it was clear that car and bus drivers completely accepted their presence and gave way to the cyclists. Certainly I didn’t see any of the signs of impatience, pulling out without looking or driving far too close to cyclists that are sadly commonplace in this country.
In fact it was a different world! Walking around it was wonderful to appreciate the peace and calm of the city and the cleanliness of the air, unpolluted by traffic. And not a single cycle helmet or any Lycra in sight! It just shows what can be achieved by people giving real thought to cycling and making it part of everyday life, accessible to all.