A BUSY cycle lane in Bournemouth is set to be separated from motorised traffic through the installation of new posts to improve safety for bike users.

Those travelling by bike along Glenferness Avenue will benefit from the protected cycling lane, which will offer more space, on both sides of the road from Monday, September 7.

In addition, Leven Avenue will no longer serve as a through route for motorised traffic to go directly between Glenferness Avenue and Branksome Wood Road.

Both measures are being implemented on a temporary basis and are the latest schemes to be put forward by BCP Council through the emergency active travel fund.

Councillor Andy Hadley, BCP Council's portfolio holder for transport, said: “I am pleased we are able to put in place these temporary measures at Glenferness Avenue, which aim to support more people travelling sustainably. This matches our vision for vibrant communities with outstanding quality of life where everyone plays an active role.

“By protecting the existing cycle lanes on Glenferness Avenue, which are regularly compromised by parked vehicles, travel by bicycle will become easier and safer.

“As children go back to school, students return to university, and more people head back into the workplace we are expecting to see a significant increase in the number of people travelling on our roads.

“As a key route we know this area will return to being busier and we are absolutely committed in supporting people in making more sustainable travel choices. We know safety is a key barrier to people cycling, and these temporary measures are a step towards giving people the confidence they need to take up cycling and walking for short distances meaning less reliance on the car.”

The local authority said, as part of the cycle network connecting the Talbot university campus with the town centre, the improved routes will give students travelling to and from the universities safer space to travel by bike and on foot.

A statement from BCP Council said the changes will also support children and parents travelling to and from schools,making it easier and safer for people to travel by bicycle and on foot where Glenferness Avenue forms part of the route.

The scheme will also support journeys from residential areas to the town centre and seafront, now linking with the recent improvement of cycle facilities on Wallisdown Road, the council added.

Councillor Hadley added: “As part of the funding agreement government urged us to implement these temporary measures quickly using experimental traffic orders. As part of this consultation process we are keen to hear from all those affected, and the feedback received will inform our decision on whether to make the temporary changes permanent. We would ask that people give the scheme a chance to bed in and have their say based on first hand experience.

“Leven Avenue is regularly used by vehicles to cut the corner and avoid the traffic lights. These temporary measures will create safer space for those cycling and walking which should have a positive impact on the local environment through reduced pollution, noise and congestion whilst maintaining access to properties.”

The protected cycle lane will be created using flexible posts which will be spaced at regular intervals to help stop vehicles moving into the cycle lane.

Designated as an advisory cycle route, the measures in Leven Avenue, which require an experimental traffic order closure, will stop it from being used as a cut through by motorists. The road will be closed off to motor vehicles between Benellen Avenue and Walsford Avenue, but full access for residents will be maintained.

A consultation will run alongside the implementation of the schemes before a decision is made on whether to make each of them permanent. To take part in the consultation, visit bcpcouncil.gov.uk/GlenfernessAndLevenAvenue