THE subject of cycle lanes on Wirral has inspired one of readers to write a poem of protest.
The lanes have divided opinion. Those in favour say they are necessary to help encourage more people to take up cycling and leave the car at home.
Those against, say cycle lanes are a waste of money and hardly used.
In September, the council awarded a contract to move forward its plans for a new cycle lane that will connect Birkenhead to Liscard. The local authority said the contract was “necessary to support the next stage” of the £10m scheme.
There was also a recent public consultation on whether to remove the Fender Lane cycle route that was installed in 2022 on both sides of the road that crosses the M53 motorway between Bidston and Moreton.
The £204,000 scheme was installed using funding from the Department for Transport through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority which can only go towards new walking and cycle routes. The route has been controversial since its installation and was criticised earlier this year for being unused and “in a hell of a state.”
It has been blamed since for traffic backing up in either direction on the road but also heavily defended by cyclists and others who say it provides a safe link between east and west Wirral.
The result of that consultation is not yet known.
The strength of opinion against such lanes has inspired a Globe reader who calls themselves The Quirky Poet to pen the following poem Cycle lane controversy:
The council’s come up with a new crazy scheme — 'Let’s build cycle lanes, a cyclist’s dream!'
So you’d best find somewhere else to park, and don’t waste time with complaints or remarks
If you’re unlucky enough to live on these streets, any moan or protest will face defeats.
They’ll spend twenty million, no problem at all— But parking fees are rising this autumnal fall,
To make up the shortfall, just a little demand— “Oh, that’s a different budget,” they’ll say, head in hands Now, where are these cyclists, you may ask?
It’s spotting one that’s the real task.
For the lanes sit empty, mile after mile, But, oh, those council folk ride in style!
“Think of the planet!” they proudly cheer, Yet buses and lorries still crowd the rear.
And drivers, gridlocked and fit to explode, are simply directed to “share the road.”
If you’re unfortunate to reside on these roads, any complaints or protests will be ignored.
So here we are, in traffic jams tight, with bike lanes aplenty but none in sight— While ambulance crews look on in dismay, at a system that’s led us all astray.
Ah, but consultations were held, they claim, with surveys and meetings (a bureaucrat’s game).
But anyone doubting this master plan finds they’re talking to the council’s hand.
So if you’re fed up and think it absurd, just remember: your voice won’t be heard.
They’ll carry on with their cycle crusade, while we’re stuck in the mess they made
Remember: If you find yourself living on these lanes, Any whinge or protest will be in vain.
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