I ride my cycle along the seafront road as Southend Council has told me it is a leisure path only and it expects cyclists wishing to travel faster, such as serious cyclists, commuters and those simply wishing to get from A to B, to use the road.
At 1.8m usable width, the path is only just over half of the Government’s recommended 3m width for a two-way path.
Cyclists are considered to be around 1m wide, so in theory there is insufficient width to safely pass each other. There have been collisions on the path.
When I drive or motorcycle into Southend, I use the main roads, so as to not endanger those who live on and use the quiet back roads.
When I cycle along the seafront, I use the road so as to not endanger the young children and novice riders on the path.
So I say to motorists, please stop shouting at cyclists on the road.
If you have any objections please direct them at the council, which has squandered so much money providing sub-standard leisure facilities for a few cyclists, while making the situation worse for all other cyclists and road users.
Michael Brazier
Sandown Road
Westcliff
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel