Trial protected cycle lane to be introduced at popular Poole route

A new trial protected cycle lane is to be introduced from next week at Evening Hill in Poole on the main route to and from Sandbanks.

BCP Council has introduced the measure as one of the Department for Transport Emergency Active Travel Fund schemes, to plug the difficult gap in the cycle lane which runs between Poole and Sandbanks along Shore Road, as it is one of the most popular places in the conurbation for cycling.

The Evening Hill stretch, where people on bikes need more space due to the steepness of the gradient, will have 240 metres of flexible bollards installed to separate and protect users from motor traffic, and also discourage cycling on the pavement, providing a safer route for all. It is also hoped this sustainable transport measure will encourage more people to choose to cycle in the area, supporting the council’s climate and ecological emergency ambitions.

Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Infrastructure, said: “A lot of people took up cycling following the Covid-19 pandemic and I am pleased to see this location addressed as part of our emergency active travel plans rollout. The seafront, including Sandbanks, is a key destination and due to its popularity, this route can become very congested during peak periods.  The new protected cycle lane will help users cycle safely on a key section of this busy road, and hopefully encourage more visitors and residents to use their bikes to travel to and from the beach, as well as along the coast.”

The inclusion of the protected cycle lane will result in the removal of 43 on-street parking spaces in the Evening Hill location. The council plans to reinstate the displaced pay and display parking bays locally subject to a Traffic Regulation Order process.

Councillor Hadley added: “We recognise the value of Evening Hill as a destination, and this should discourage those who cycle on the pavement.  As vehicles have become wider, the road here is too narrow to take parking too and as a consequence will be removed and replaced elsewhere locally.”

The government has awarded local authorities Emergency Active Travel Funding to introduce temporary changes to help increase the number of journeys completed by walking and cycling. This is so that everyone can enjoy the benefits to health, air quality and reduction in congestion. BCP Council has been awarded funding to introduce emergency measures that improve the safety and convenience of walking or cycling, including this scheme.

The temporary cycle lane will be in place for 6 months during which time everyone is encouraged to have their say.

Work to install the new protected cycle lane takes place on Tuesday 14 July.