‘Wands’ aimed at protecting cyclists to be scrapped after they proved a danger – South London News

By Harrison Galliven, Local Democracy Reporter

A controversial cycle lane revealed to be putting both cyclists and motorists at risk is to be ‘fixed’ and made permanent after a trial period which has drawn a mixed response from road users in Croydon.

From spring 2023, Croydon’s Brighton Road featured a safety bar-separated cycle lane. This stretch from Bartlett Street to Purley High Street was intended to provide cyclists with a safe route along the busy traffic corridor.

The review found evidence that the widened cycle lane improved conditions for cyclists and pedestrians. The road also saw a general reduction in speed during the 12-hour period from 7am to 7pm.

However, these benefits have been overshadowed by news that road safety audits have found this segregation to be dangerous for road users. Although the scheme is to become permanent, the Tory-led council agreed that the safety rods must first be removed.

At a cabinet meeting in Croydon, councilors heard how fallen poles became a tripping hazard for cyclists and prevented cars from having safe spaces to stop on the road. Wands have also been blamed for causing a number of injuries along the way.

Councilors also heard how all three emergency services revealed it had become difficult to carry out blue light responses on that stretch of road. There were also reports that some Brighton Road residents were unable to receive deliveries due to road segregation.

The consultation found that the wands made it difficult to sweep roads, leading to a dangerous build-up of leaves and debris on cycle paths.

Nick Hibberd, the council’s corporate director of sustainable communities, confirmed the cycleway would become permanent ahead of schedule, but without poles.

He said: “The light segregation will be replaced by road markings alongside the mandatory and advisory parts of the lane. We will also install buffers in some areas in the form of hatch markings at least half a meter wide to separate motorized traffic from cyclists.”

Croydon’s Chief Executive, Jason Perry, said: “While we are removing the rods and guards, we are confident that these changes will benefit cyclists using the widened lanes, as well as supporting local businesses and helping to reduce congestion.”

Pictured above: The TfL-funded cycle lane scheme was estimated to cost around £500,000 to install (Image: Croydon Council)

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