Cyclists to be allowed to travel both ways on Inverness one-way street when change is introduced, after Highland Council approves plans
PLANS to allow cyclists to travel in both directions along a future one-way street in Inverness city centre have sparked debate.
Highland Council has agreed to make Ness Walk a one way street but allow cyclists to travel in both directions for a period of six months.
Councillors at Inverness area committee agreed to a trial period to study effects of a one way system despite major safety concerns about the proposals.
The scheme intends to make the best use of the economic potential of the Ness river front by making it more attractive and more of a destination for tourism, leisure and cultural activities.
However, at the committee the plan was criticised by some councillors who felt the design of the routes would do more harm than good amid safety concerns.
But Highland Council’s analysis of evidence of contraflow cycle lanes found that they were not dangerous and that a low-cost trial – estimated at £15,000 – was the best way to proceed.
Councillor Emma Roddick, herself a cyclist, disagreed, saying: “You only have to go a little bit further up the river to Huntly Street to see evidence that this is untrue.
“The confusing signage and lack of obvious cycle lane means cyclists don’t know whether they’re supposed to use the road or the pavement.
“Pedestrians are endangered by cyclists on the pavement and cyclists on the road are endangered by cars who believe they are breaking the law and ignoring the one-way system.
“Cycle lanes need to be marked on the road if there is any hope of drivers acknowledging them, and these markings are too far apart. We have to learn lessons from Huntly Street, and looking at this report I’m just not convinced we have.”
Councillor Andrew Jarvie was so uneasy with the plan he tried to get the proposal dismissed with an amendment but that was voted down.
“Not only is this spending money to fix a problem that doesn’t exist, but the one way forces all traffic towards the awful Bught junction along a road lined with cars on both sides because there is no parking.
“This came as a ‘trial’ but I know this is always how it starts. When it doesn’t work we get told we have to continue otherwise it will cost us money. We can’t let poor quality proposals through.”
- Click here to read more Inverness Courier news.
