THE subject of cycle lanes in Wirral has inspired a local councillor to write a poem of support.
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 inspired a Globe reader who calls themselves The Quirky Poet to pen a poem called Cycle lane controversy last week
In response, Ed Lamb - a Green Party councillor for Bebington - has written a poem entitled Ode to the New & Existing ‘Active Travel’
It reads:
Paths of Wirral On Wirral’s roads, where wheels now turn, A path to change, though tempers burn.
For some, it’s lines and wasted space, But for others, a much safer place.
Beneath the skies, through sun and rain, Runs the vision for bright new lanes— Where walkers stroll and cyclists glide, And breathe fresh air as fumes subside.
A network growing, step by step, Though costs seem high, the gains are kept— In health, in joy, in cleaner air, A legacy for all to share.
Some grumble now, these paths are "new,"
But thoughts did rise as patience grew.
For here, no ambulance delays, No blocked-up streets, no lost ways.
And yes, the roads are still your own, For those who drive, or call car home.
With fewer cars as walkers grow, More space to ease the traffic flow.
Congestion fades as wheels spin free, And life reclaims the right to be.
Let leaders stand, and see it through, To build a Wirral bold and new.
Where young and old, with paths to roam, Can journey safely close to home.
A cycle lane—a simple line, But what it brings, in time, divine.
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