Cycle lane trial at Evening Hill, Poole, to be made permanent

BCP Council introduced a trial protected cycle lane up Evening Hill, Poole, in July 2020 for six months to allow people to have their say.

The designated lane along Shore Road towards Sandbanks was one of the first schemes introduced through the emergency active travel fund.

Considering a report on the consultation findings and feedback from the trial Councillor Mike Greene, portfolio holder for transport and sustainability, has decided to retain the protected cycle lane.

The cycle lane and bollards in place on Evening Hill

Cllr Greene said: “Two thirds of those who travel through the area for work and leisure that took part in our consultations were in favour of this decision. In addition to this, we are proposing to introduce some major changes based on the feedback received from residents.

“This includes new disabled parking bays on Shore Road and Alington Road. We are also planning to widen the footpath on Alington Road and add a new zebra crossing on Shore Road to the north of Alington Road. These improvements will ensure that those with mobility issues and water sports users will be able access to the area and enjoy local green spaces.

“These changes will help to create a safer environment for people walking and cycling. This will further contribute towards meeting our declared climate emergency by supporting more sustainable journeys through the area.”

Evening Hill cycle and parking usage graph. Picture: BCP Council

As of January 17, 2021, 882 online responses were received. Overall, 70 per cent of respondents agreed with the introduction of the protected cycle lane and 29 per cent disagreed.

Much of the criticism was lobbied by and on behalf of those with disabilities.

A section of the officer’s report reads: “Crossing Shore Road can be challenging for able bodied pedestrians and is likely to be extremely challenging for those with a disability and hence the recommendation to consider the introduction of a pedestrian crossing that would reinstate a safe link to the beauty spot and help mitigate these concerns.”

• Read more: 'This is what a cycle lane should look like': Travel group hits back at criticism

Despite Cllr Greene’s decision to introduce the zebra crossing to Shore Road, some residents still feel this is not enough.

One commented: “By suggesting an alternative of parking in a side road and walking across or alternate parking at the bottom of the hill is an insult to those who have limited mobility.”

Whereas another said: “These measures are necessary for the safety of all vulnerable road users, including some who have disabilities.”

During the trial counts of cyclists using the route were undertaken and found an example of more than 550 cyclists using the route on July 26 in 2019 and 2020.