CYCLING experts have called for dedicated bike lanes as part of a multi-million pound redevelopment of St Botolph’s Circus after describing the proposals as a “last minute rush” to spend funding.
Colchester Cycling Campaign has submitted an official objection to Essex County Council’s £3.5 million plans for the area, which include the removal of the underpass, the simplification of junctions and new landscaping.
The group has criticised the existing plans for reducing the “number, directness and type” of cycling and walking routes and an apparent “last minute rush” to spend available funding.
Campaigners say they want to see the final scheme include a number of two way segregated cycling routes connecting the area to Magdalen Street, Military Road, St John’s Green and the Garrison Trail.
A spokesman said: “Some cyclists may still want to use the roundabout, as they are legally entitled to do, but there is likely to be a correlation between the level of on-road use and the quality and directness of the cycle facilities provided. If cycle provision continues to be poor, the likelihood is that cycling will not increase and the cyclists who currently ride on the roundabout will continue to use the road and this should be borne in mind by safety auditors.
“As the project has progressed the emphasis has been increasingly on junction capacity with all else marginalised. The result is that very little account seems to have been taken of walker and cyclist desire lines or the need for pedestrian speed and priority through the scheme, yet more cars will be able to proceed faster up to a target date of 2036.”
A spokesman for Essex Highways said the viability of ideas raised by the public was being investigated.
He said: “We are absolutely committed to making it easier for local people to use alternatives to cars to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion at this busy point in the town, and appreciate people and groups taking the time to share their views with us.”
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