“COMMON sense has prevailed,” Bournemouth’s cycling mayor has said after a settlement was agreed between BCP Council and Cycling UK over Keyhole Bridge. 

Derek Heritage, the town’s first cycling mayor, has welcomed a “pragmatic solution” between the two groups after Cycling UK threatened to take the council to court over keeping the Whitecliff Road open. 

Currently, the road and bridge remains open to motor cars, cyclists and pedestrians – but the charity and other resident activists have been calling on it to be closed to cars. 

Boscombe resident Mr Heritage said: “It has always been ridiculous that a public park, a place of relaxation, was being used as a traffic rat run with all its associated noise and fumes.

Bournemouth Echo: Derek Heritage has been appointed bicycle mayor of Bournemouth

“Common sense has prevailed and Poole Park can now be added to King's and Meyrick parks as places where local people and visitors can relax without having traffic thundering through. 

“It is a pity that the previous administration failed to consider government guidance before removing schemes designed to get more people walking and cycling by relocating road space, this case sets a standard that all councils will now have to observe.”

Read more: Keyhole Bridge to stay open despite cycling group claiming victory

Avoiding High Court action, BCP Council and Cycling UK have agreed an out-of-court settlement in which the authority is to pay £35k towards the charity’s legal costs. 

Mr Heritage added: “I would like to thank the new BCP administration for devising a pragmatic solution which will benefit park users, walkers, wheelers and cyclists.

Bournemouth Echo:

“I am also grateful that the council have avoided drawn out and expensive legal proceedings.  

“I would also like to thank all the tireless campaigners who have helped towards this vital victory for active travel and we look forward to working with the council to find ways of making walking, wheeling and cycling safer.” 

Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for climate response, environment and energy, said: “Our intention in coming to this agreement was to avoid further conflict and reduce costs to the council and our residents. 

“We believe this is far less expensive than if we had chosen to pursue a defence of the legal challenge.  

“We remain committed to promoting active and sustainable travel.”