2 weeks Ago
Cyclists have branded a new cycle lane a “death trap” after a three-person pile-up. Resident Dan Gilbert said the new lane near The Argyle Arms in Argyle Road, near Preston Road, Brighton , is causing bikes to crash. He said: “I was one of three bikes in a row who crashed in the same place due to a hidden kerb.
It's super dangerous. (Image: Submitted) “Luckily my only injuries are cuts and bruises as I was wearing a helmet – as were the other guys – but if you were elderly it could kill you. Dan Gilbert was wearing a helmet which was scratched and dented in the crash (Image: Submitted) “The council needs to do something to make this kerb more visible before someone gets seriously injured.
” Dan said that the pavement and cycle lane are the same colour and people "assume it is all cycle lane". He said the lighter coloured kerb appears to be flat but in fact it has a lip so when cyclists mistakenly think they can use the whole area they veer across and the kerb trips them over He said: "It's unexpected that there is a kerb in the middle of what looks like a cycle lane. You can't plan for it, especially as the other one on the next road is normal and doesn't knock you off.
" The cycle lane has a similar design to that of the Vogue Gyratory cycle lane in Lewes Road. Back in 2014, two people were taken to hospital after they fell off their bikes following a three-cyclist crash. The cyclists said the “disguised kerb” caused them to crash.
Councillor Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport, parking and public realm, said: “It is obviously concerning to hear of any cyclists involved in an accident, particularly on a cycle path designed to make cycling safer for resident. This is something we will look into. “This is a stepped cycle track, with a clear and visible kerb to show where the cycle lane and road ends and the pavement starts.
It has been designed in accordance with the Department for Transport’s guidelines and there is a minimal incline of just a few millimetres. “We have not yet completed the entire length of this cycle lane, which will provide an important access route along Preston Road, but this section has been in use for a few months now and we have not directly received any reports of problems. “The best thing cyclists can do if they experience problems is contact us so we can look into their concerns further and in detail.
”.
