Work to install temporary cycle lanes along the length of Aberdeen beach has been paused to allow access over the weekend.
Council staff took up the job on Monday at the Donmouth and have so far worked their way along the Esplanade to the Beach Ballroom.
But the physical distancing plans have been the cause of huge public protest, with around 3,500 signing a petition calling for a rethink.
Despite the summery weather this week, some beachfront traders decided to close up shop because of the disruption.
And the city’s surf community has raised concerns that car access – which is essential for those travelling from further afield or with bulky sports equipment – is being sacrificed for the bike lanes.
As if to prove the point, a group from Granite City Surf Club called off a meeting with The P&J on Thursday night – turning their cars around and going home after being caught in queues and road closures on the way to Footdee.
Members said it would be a “disaster” if parking on both sides of the Esplanade at Footdee were lost in the Spaces For People work – although council transport spokeswoman Sandra Macdonald ruled out any loss of parking there.
Work will begin to install the bike lanes along the front of the promenade cafes and restaurants along to Footdee on Monday.
Further measures will be installed on the Beach Boulevard on Wednesday and Thursday, weather depending.
After criticism over a lack of information about the work, the council eventually uploaded new maps to its website detailing the plans.