"Ridiculous" cycle lane cost £3,400 to remove

Cyclists complained they had to swerve into traffic to miss stationary vehicles on the advisory lane down East Bawtry Road.

Rotherham Borough Council dismissed the concerns in 2012, saying it was committed to promoting cycling by putting down as many lines as possible.

But the authority later performed a U-turn after speaking with experts at transport consultants Cycling Matters, who advised removing the road paint.

Adrian Withill, RMBC interim transport manager, said: “The aim of these advisory cycle lanes was to link the existing ‘shared use’ cycle and pedestrian facilities between Whiston crossroads and Worrygoose roundabout with a proposed cycle infrastructure on the A631 between Brecks and Maltby, creating a continuous cycle link between Maltby and Rotherham town centre.”

Cyclists had complained that the A631 lane was “ridiculous” and dangerous to both themselves and motorists.

Mr Withill said: “Following these objections, an external body, Cycling Matters, was commissioned to consider the existing and proposed cycle infrastructure between Maltby and Rotherham and they carried out this work in January 2013.

“Their recommendation was to remove the downhill advisory cycle lane markings on East Bawtry Road but to leave a wide ‘running lane’ to enable experienced cyclists to better avoid parked vehicles when using the route. 

“After considering the report the council decided to action the recommendation and the markings were removed in summer 2013.”

A council spokeswoman added: “The cost of the work was £3,408.20.”

Mandatory cycle lanes are flanked by solid white lines prohibiting other vehicles from driving or parking there. Advisory lanes are cheaper and easier to install, requiring no traffic order.