NO more changes are proposed to the cycle lane in Keynsham High Street, where more than 100 pedestrians have been injured.
People have been tripping and falling since the cycle lane was installed in 2022 as part of the High Street refurbishment.
The issue has been blamed on an “optical illusion” created by different levels between the pavement, the cycle lane and the road.
The lane was painted red in August 2022 to reduce the number of accidents. Then in April this year, contractors changed the solid white line along the edge of the cycle lane to a dashed line.
Six councillors representing the town on Bath & North East Somerset Council have been working together cross-party to improve safety in the High Street.
But they have only managed to persuade B&NES Council to carry out “minor tinkering,” said Councillor Alan Hale, Keynsham South representative.
He added: “Despite all of our efforts to protect our community from the injuries caused by a council-designed trip hazard, we have just been informed by executive director for sustainable communities, Sophie Broadfield, that ‘As it stands, we have no plans to make further changes to the design of the cycle lane’.
“I have been making representations to officers and the council leader since the lane opened and I was in High Street on the day it opened, and casualty reports began that day and have continued ever since.
“Not only are the administration being dismissive of our communities’ safety but also the safety of visitors to the town.
“Recently one visitor from Peasedown St John and another from Guildford were injured and needed an ambulance.”
Cllr Hale, an independent councillor, says he has warned the council’s leader and its chief executive officer that, should be killed as a result of a fall due to the cycle lane, they could be investigated for corporate manslaughter.
The campaigning group of councillors has issued High Street shops with copies of a letter to hand out to anyone who falls on the kerb, describing what action they should take. They say many of the shopkeepers are well rehearsed in responding with a chair or cushions and blankets to help those who have fallen.
Cllr Hale added: “It has been a never-ending campaign and it was rewarding when all six councillors sat down together to fight for a change.
“Cllr George Leach (Lib Dem – Keynsham North) is going to take a lead now in seeking changes and I have assured him that I shall continue to support him. This ridiculous situation cannot continue.”
He added: “I cannot see how an administration can preside over a development that has seriously injured over 100 people and do nothing.”
Cllr Leach said: “The objective will be to seek short-term, more immediate solutions as well as a long-term strategy.
“The council’s financial situation and current stance does not make this straightforward but it is important we as elected representatives continue to advocate on behalf of our residents.”
Councillor Paul Roper, B&NES cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, told the Voice: “We have no plans to make further changes to the design of the cycle lane.
“However, our recent Creating Sustainable Communities consultation gathered residents’ views on the pedestrianisation of the High Street, which we are exploring as a longer-term solution. In the meantime, we continue to monitor trips and falls.”
Keynsham High Street cycle lane to stay as it is
