‘Optical illusion’ cycle lane to be changed again because people keep falling over
Photos show how the cycle lane appears to be flat at first glance - but actually passes over an elevated pedestrian crossing.
One of Britain’s most infamous cycle lanes is finally being fixed after injuring more than 100 people.
The lane was branded ‘the most dangerous in Britain’ due to the high number of injuries, with some locals blaming the ‘optical illusion’ design of the road paint.
Photos show how the cycle lane appears to be flat at first glance – but actually passes over an elevated pedestrian crossing.
Walkers on Keynsham High Street near Bristol have repeatedly missed and tripped on a ‘hidden’ curb – which they say looked like a flat line as it is painted white.
Since it was installed by Bath and North East Somerset Council in March 2022, more than 100 people have been injured on it.
The council even painted it bright red in an attempt to avoid further injuries, as it still gets an average of almost three complaints a month, according to a new report.
The authority has now confirmed it will change the line markings in hope of addressing the problem,
The solid white line marking at the edge of the cycle lane will now be replaced with a broken white line, to ‘better delineate it from the kerb’.
It will also install double yellow lines adjacent to the kerb between the cycle lane and carriageway, which it says should ‘provide an additional cue to pedestrians as they cross the highway’.
The council hopes the mitigation should make the change in levels clearer to pedestrians and prevent further trips and falls.
The report, which was published on the council website this week, said: ‘Whilst the number of incidents has clearly reduced since opening, it remains an ongoing issue with a relatively consistent rate of incidents per month.
‘The design team recommend trialling the lining interventions prior to any other physical measures.’
A spokesperson for the Liberal Democrat group said the majority of incidents happened within the first six months of the scheme going in and the numbers had dropped.
Injuries have included fractures, lost teeth, and significant bruising.
Locals wanting it scrapped have previously recalled their experiences of coming to harm there.
One person said: ‘I fell into the road last year, cutting my knee, twisting my ankle and ripping my jeans.
‘The council were not very helpful or even asked if I was ok. They did suggest that I use the crossing next time.’
Another added: ‘I tripped but manage to get my balance. Don’t know whether it was the kerb or cycle lane.’
One said ‘That’s just the ones that have been reported… it’s a daily occurrence pretty much.
‘Have seen some pretty nasty falls having worked in one of the shops on the High street.’
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.