UK Locals Angry Over 'Optical Illusion' Cycle Lane That Caused 59 Injuries

In Keynsham, England, a cycling lane that appears to be an optical illusion has been problematic for both cyclists and pedestrians, resulting in 59 injuries just last year.

UK 'Optical illusion' cycling lane causes many injuries

Reach PLC / Somerset Live/BPM MEDIA

Due to the uncertainty the kerbs and white lines generate, some residents have referred to the road as a "optical illusion." There have been 21 claims against the municipality as a result of people tripping and falling as a result of this uncertainty.

Seven of these allegations have been denied, while the other three are still open and under investigation. Local councilman Alan Hale has issued a warning that, if nothing is done, the road may result in a fatal injury.

LADbible quoted him as saying, ¡°There can be no other local authority in the country that has created a development that has succeeded in seriously injuring 59 people at least and have done nothing to address the situation. We are elected to make our community safe, not to inflict significant injuries. To make it safe we need the administration and officers to take positive action, not sit on their hands."

The council has simply said that they are 'monitoring' the situation

Reach PLC / Somerset Live/BPM MEDIA

The council has indicated that no insurance claims have been resolved and no payments have been made in spite of these worries. Since the road was opened, Hale has been approached by worried residents, but the council has simply said that they are 'monitoring' the situation.

Instead of continuing to accept serious injuries, he has advocated for concrete action to be made to make the neighbourhood safe. The tarmac was painted red in August as part of efforts to enhance the lane, but this did not prevent individuals from falling.

The council's cabinet member for economic development, regeneration, and growth, Mark Roper, has supported the council's handling of the problem despite Hale's suggestion that the bike lane be completely removed.

According to him, mitigations were put in place when early issues were discovered and the lane was constructed in accordance with government regulations.

Reach PLC / Somerset Live/BPM MEDIA

In addition to using CCTV to investigate reported falls, a Stage 4 Road Safety report is being utilised to seek out additional improvements. Locals are nonetheless concerned about the safety of the cycle route despite these efforts.

The Keynsham High Street restoration programme has been a success in many ways, but in order to keep drawing tourists and shoppers, safety issues must be resolved.

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