I'm afraid I have to disagree with Alastair Chaplin's letter, (Echo 17 June) about the new temporary cycle lanes that have been installed in Southampton.

Despite the council claims that they are to aid active travel, there has been little or no consideration for pedestrians and now more people are returning to work there has been a noticeable increase in vehicle numbers on our roads, whilst the newly installed cycle lanes remain empty.

Alastair is wrong to suggest pedestrians benefit from no longer having to share a narrow footpath with cyclists, as that is precisely what happens at junctions when the cyclists are directed off the road and onto the pavement, often at its narrowest point.

Sadly, too many of these fast travelling cyclists don't slow sufficiently to take account of pedestrians who have to adjust and get out of their way.

The islands in the centre of the junctions are also now being shared by pedestrians and cyclists and it is impossible to maintain any social distance.

According to Highways Act 1835 section 72 & R(S)A 1984, section 129, cyclists must not cycle on the pavement, and are encouraged to give way to pedestrians when sharing a path, so there should be no dilemma deciding to squeeze past a pedestrian or use the road when cycling.

These lanes only promote cycling as an active travel method and considers cyclists' needs above those of all other residents and road users.

Sadly this seems to be a trend with this council.

The Common is becoming a cycling motorway, and the pavement from Stag Gates to Northlands Road has pointlessly remained a shared use path despite permanent cycle lanes running along both sides of this stretch of road.

I wait to see if Alastair's contention that the two lanes of traffic in the Avenue which were often slow moving because of traffic volume will run smoother now they are reduced to one lane is correct.

However, with the increased traffic caused by bus companies putting on extra services to accommodate the reduction in each vehicle's passenger carrying capability, and more people opting not to use public transport, I'm considering catching a flying pig to work.

Ryan Webber

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