Vote backs 'removal of flawed' cycle lane
BBCThe removal of a much-derided cycle lane has been backed in a council vote.
Businesses blame the £1.7m scheme on Middlesbrough's Linthorpe Road, which has faced criticism since its installation in 2022, for a loss of trade.
Councillor Peter Gavigan, executive member for environment and sustainability, described the route's design as "seriously flawed".
On Wednesday Middlesbrough Council's executive committee voted unanimously to approve the removal of the cycle lane.
Last summer the lane was dubbed "an absolute disaster" by the owner of Madame Rouge vintage pub and tearooms, with other traders reporting falling custom due to a shortage of parking.
Other concerns centred around several cyclists and pedestrians being injured while using the new layout.
According to the council, a public consultation last year found strong support for its removal.
'Vocal' opposition
The lane was approved under the area's former Independent Mayor, Andy Preston, and funded through the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) with the aim of encouraging active travel in the town.
Current Mayor, Labour's Chris Cooke, welcomed the vote result and pledged to ensure the work is carried out as soon as possible.
He said: "The strength of community feeling around this was very vocal and it's clear that when we undertake schemes like this in future we need to ensure that consultation is done in a better way.
"Active travel, including walking and cycling schemes, is enormously important.
"The sooner we get this done the better, and that will enable us to start to look at other schemes in other areas."
Gavigan said: "Cycling and cycle lanes are a key part of our integrated transport strategy – the problem with this one was the design which was seriously flawed."