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Are you going the right way? New Aberdeen bike lane going against flow of traffic causes confusion

The new bike lane has been described as an "accident waiting to happen".

A new cycle lane in Aberdeen city centre has led to confusion Image: Kenny Elrick / DC Thomson.
A new cycle lane in Aberdeen city centre has led to confusion Image: Kenny Elrick / DC Thomson.

A new bike lane directing cyclists against the flow of traffic has appeared on a busy city centre street in Aberdeen – leaving many confused.

The contraflow cycling lane has been put on Hardgate between Willowbank Road and Fonthill Road – which is a one-way street.

This means that cyclists are able to pedal against the flow of traffic in the safety of the bike lane, while others follow the flow by cycling in the direction of cars on the rest of the road space.

A cyclist going with the flow of traffic. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson

However, contraflow cycling systems aren’t so common in Aberdeen and this latest one has left many scratching their heads about the direction of the markings.

‘It just seems so bizarre’

Councillor Michael Kusznir wrote on Twitter: “Not sure what is going on at Hardgate, between Willowbank and Fonthill, but this seems like a cycling lane going the opposite way from the one-way traffic?”

 

This newest biker-only space has been described as an “accident waiting to happen”.

The section of Hardgate is very narrow, but the main problem pointed out is the freshly-painted lane runs parallel to cars parked on the right.

One resident said: “Surely this is an accident waiting to happen with parked cars on the right pulling out and unable to see cyclists coming towards them?

“It just seems bizarre to me even having a cycle lane in such a narrow street.”

Parked cars are the problem

Gavin Clarke, chairman of Aberdeen Cycle Forum, said introducing a cycle lane on Hardgate was discussed around 10 years ago.

But, the route had not been mentioned since – leaving the group surprised to hear Aberdeen City Council recently painted the lines for one.

Mr Clarke said because the new cycle route isn’t finished the group wanted to reserve judgment on it for now.

He did explain contraflow lanes can work, however, highlighted the lane runs alongside the parked cars.

The cycle lane runs alongside parked cars. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson

“The problem is the parked cars on the other side of the cycle lane,” he said. “People parked there are going to be pulling out and crossing the lane and not expecting cyclists.

“I would say what they should have done is put the cycle lane next to the pavement, so you would have pavement, cycle lane, and then parked cars on the other side.

“The idea of a contraflow cycle lane to allow cyclists to go down one-way streets, there’s nothing wrong with that in principle, but they should really be following best practice in design.”

An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman said: “A cycle contraflow has been introduced at Hardgate, between Willowbank Road and Fonthill Road. Similar measures have been introduced previously within the city, and nationwide, to ensure cyclists are not subject to lengthy detours where one way roads are in place.

“The design meets Scottish Government / Transport design guidance. Where traffic conditions allow for mixed traffic streets, consideration can be given to two-way cycling with advisory lanes in place.

“This section of Hardgate is traffic calmed, with a 20mph speed limit, and adequate visibility so we are satisfied that the design is appropriate, and meets with the aspiration that, wherever possible, all streets will be two-way for cyclists.”

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