Video shows cyclist in road on Whitelegg Way - not in cycle lane

The controversial cycle lane in Whitelegg Way in Bournemouth opened last month after months of work that saw the width of a busy A-road narrowed to make way for it.

Some drivers have since complained that the new width of the road leaves no room for them to make way for emergency vehicles to get through.

Motorists have spoken of their frustration at a video that shows cars veering into the opposite lane to avoid a cyclist

And now footage has emerged showing one cyclist using the already-narrow road, rather than the fresh bike lane immediately to his left.

The video, filmed by a car passenger following behind, also shows drivers having to swerve into the opposite side of the road to avoid the bike.

The new cycle lanes are part of a £102m 'Transforming Cities' scheme to create sustainable travel links across south east Dorset with others built in nearby Wimborne and Merley.

The woman who took the video and wished to remain anonymous, said: "The road is already narrow with no room for drivers to let emergency vehicles pass and you have this cyclist ignoring the designated lane.

"There were four to five cars in front of me and they were having to avoid the cyclist as well as oncoming traffic.

Whitelegg Way

"My frustration is with the local council for the money spent on these cycle lanes when the whole infrastructure of the town needs urgent attention.

"The whole of Bournemouth is turning into cycle lanes and there's no room for cars anymore. I hardly ever see cyclists in the bike lane.

"It's hard enough for the emergency services as it is without the roads being like this. The council just doesn't seem to listen to the public."

A spokesman for BCP Council said: "We don't know why the cyclist chose to ride on the road rather than use the cycle way.

"Road work barriers blew over during the Christmas period obstructing sections of the cycle way so this may have been the reason. They have now been cleared.

"The sustainable travel improvements are still under construction and permanent cycle route signage has not yet been installed.

Read more:

• Council and travel group defend Whitelegg Way cycle lanes
• Whitelegg Way improvement: Fire engines 'can't use road'

"Cyclists may not be aware that the cycle lane is now open. We will review the temporary signage in place to ensure it is clear that the lane is operational.

"One of the biggest concerns stopping people from cycling is their safety when using busy roads. Evidence shows that people will use bike infrastructure once it is built.

"A study found that in cities where bike infrastructure was added, cycling increased up to 48 percent more than in cities that did not add bike lanes.

"Whilst there is no legal obligation for people to use cycle lanes, they are separated from traffic and therefore much safer for people cycling rather than using the same lane as traffic.

"The carriageway is between 6.4m and 6.6m wide, adhering to current national standards set by the Department for Transport."