Highways England cycling ban “nonsensical”

Cycling UK has delivered almost 10,000 letters of objection to proposals by Highways England to ban cyclists on the A63 near Hull.

The plans to ban cyclists on the 15-mile stretch of road between the North Cave interchange and the Daltry Street interchange were raised following concerns about road safety.

Cycling UK says Highways England has failed to consider other methods to reduce the danger, such as speed reduction measures and the introduction of warning signs about the presence of cyclists.

Delivering more than 9,500 letters objecting to the ban to Highways England in Leeds today, head of campaigns Duncan Dollimore said: “One of Highways England’s arguments for banning cyclists is that they cannot keep up with traffic, but they’re not banning slow-moving vehicles like tractors, farm vehicles or horse and carts.

“If they ban cyclists because they cannot keep up with the traffic, then they’re going to be banned from every A-road in the country and large sections of B-roads.

“It’s a nonsensical piece of logic and if Highways England wants to come up with reasons why cyclists shouldn’t be riding on this road, they need to come up with some evidence based reasons.”

The letters of objection were collected during a four-week consultation period and delivered by Mr Dollimore by cargo bike today.

“This sends a strong message to Highways England, one we hope it will listen to carefully, and reconsider plans which would be in stark contrast to its own Cycling Strategy which sets out a cycling vision of contributing to a high quality cycling network, suitable and safe for everyone,” he concluded.