Bike lanes could be painted red to 'reduce conflict'

Some bike lanes in Bristol could be painted red to "reduce conflict" between cyclists and pedestrians as part of a new trial.

Many bike paths in the city centre are a similar colour to adjacent pavements, causing confusion among where people should cycle or walk.

Transport bosses at Bristol City Council believe that a bright colour will prevent pedestrians from straying into cycling lanes without realising.

The trial was welcomed by cycling and walking campaigners, and could be expanded in the future.

On the shortlist for the trial, are the new bike lanes between the Old Market roundabout and Castle Park, those on Bristol Bridge and the soon to be built lanes at Union Street, Bedminster Bridges roundabout and Redcliffe roundabout.

Plans are likely to be approved by councillors on the transport policy committee on May 15, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A committee report on the proposal said: "There are several benefits to a roll-out of colour on cycle lanes.

"It has the potential to reinforce the road-user hierarchy and improve safety at key conflict points."

It added that "unintentional pedestrian" use of cycleways is a "key danger" and can negatively affect the public perception of cycling.

The trial could be carried out at either existing bike lanes or ones that will be built soon.

During the trial, council staff would measure the number of near misses, as well as the number of pedestrians who stray onto bike paths, and vice versa, cyclists who stray onto pavements.

Bristol Cycling Campaign said they were pleased with the scheme but that it won't help solve "disjointed or poorly designed cycle lanes safer or encourage more people to cycle".

Bristol Walking Alliance said: "It has been apparent for some time that the cycle lanes across the centre in Bristol are a problem.

"The cycle lanes are not easily distinguishable from the pedestrianised areas, leading to conflict between pedestrians and cyclists."

Several different colours were assessed as options for the bike lane colour before the authority landed on red for its ability to stand out and to be in line with other cycle lanes in the city.

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