Councillors Raise Concerns Over Size Of Abbey Road Cycle Lane In Barrow.
Councillors in Barrow-in-Furness have raised concerns about the design of the new cycle infrastructure being introduced along Abbey Road, particularly the amount of space available for pedestrians.
Councillor Assouad said she supported investment in cycling and active travel infrastructure, but questioned whether the walking section of the route was wide enough in some areas. She said parts of the pathway appeared too narrow for a wheelchair or double buggy and could make it difficult for two people to walk alongside each other without moving into the cycle lane.
The councillor also said she had witnessed several near misses, raising concerns about how pedestrians and cyclists are sharing the available space. She asked the council's Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Transport to visit Abbey Road and see the situation for himself.
The Abbey Road scheme is designed to create a safer and more continuous active travel route between Ramsden Square and Park Drive. The project includes new cycle lanes, improved crossings, upgraded traffic signals and other changes intended to make walking and cycling safer and more accessible.
According to the council, the completed sections include new one-way cycle lanes on both sides of Abbey Road, using parts of the existing wide footways. A new two-way cycleway has also been created around one of the junctions, while improved crossings and central islands have been introduced at selected locations.
Councillor Assouad suggested that the council should consider whether changes could be made to the two-way cycle paths to improve the experience for pedestrians. She also raised the possibility of an education programme to help cyclists and pedestrians understand how the shared areas should be used.
The council has said the wider Abbey Road project is intended to connect residential communities with shops, services and major employers, supporting more sustainable travel across the town. The scheme has received funding through the government's Active Travel Fund 3 and the Brilliant Barrow Town Deal.
With the new infrastructure now taking shape, the debate highlights the challenge of balancing the needs of cyclists, pedestrians and people with mobility requirements. Councillors are now seeking to ensure that the improvements deliver safer travel for everyone using Abbey Road.
Got a news story or tip to share? Contact our editorial team by emailing news@lakelandpost.co.uk or call us directly on 0333 090 2080.