Cyclists are the solution to congestion, not the cause (From Warrington Guardian)

Cyclists are the solution to congestion, not the cause

The cycle lane along Liverpool Road West, towards the Chapel House traffic lights, has been installed where there was only one traffic lane prior to its installation.

It also stops well short of the traffic lights and a right turn traffic lane still runs up to the lights.

When the junction is saturated with traffic, the right turn lane does not clear in one phase of the lights and the presence of the cycle lane merely delays motorists joining the back of the queue.

When traffic is lighter there is no tailback of straight through motorists to delay right turning motorists.

Cyclists are part of the solution to congestion, not the cause of the problem and it is motorists which are causing congestion at this junction, not cyclists.

If the cyclists were not using their bikes, in all probability they would be in a car either as driver or passenger, and the congestions would worsen.

If more of the motorists could be persuaded to use bikes, the roads would be less congested for those unwilling or unable to give up using their cars.

We do not condone cycling on the pavement where this is not permitted, just as we do not condone the use of the pavement by motorists as extra parking space.

Pavements are for pedestrians, not for cars or cycles.

Perhaps Mrs Williams (Guardian, December 2) should ask the borough council (with whom the responsibility lies), whether there are any opportunities for on-road cycle training for teenagers or adults.

It is unreasonable to be too critical of cyclists using the pavement when they have not had the opportunity to be taught good road cycling techniques and practice.

M Leslie

Warrington Cycle Campaign

Cross Lane, Stockton Heath