COUNCILLORS have agreed to look at altering a one-way system said to be deterring staff and students cycling to and from the University of Bradford.
A petition, containing 94 signatures, was presented to members of the Bradford West Area Committee tonight, criticising the one-way route recently introduced on Longside Lane, between the junctions of Hey Street and Richmond Road.
Campaigners are asking for a contra-flow cycle lane to be incorporated into the one-way section, saying the current layout is causing confusion and "discouraging" cyclists from taking what had been a simple route to the university from Thornton Road.
David Robison, chairman of the Bradford Cycling Campaign and a lecturer at the university, told the committee there had been a lack of proper consultation before the one-way system was introduced.
"As it currently stands, the new system is being flouted by some cars who are simply ignoring the one-way signs," he said.
"This makes it dangerous for all concerned.
"The university is a very pedestrian and cycling-friendly institution, but the moment you get off campus, you find yourself in a lawless driving zone like something from Mad Max.
"By adding a bit more provision for cyclists, you'll be providing a more friendly route in and out of the area.
"This should have been considered at the implementation stage, not afterwards, which is a waste of time and money.
"This scheme is not much to ask, but is a very important token of friendliness for cyclists."
Councillor Michelle Swallow (Lab, Clayton and Fairweather Green) backed calls for the cycle lane, and said: "Cyclists are scared of the roads in Bradford, and we have got to ensure we make cycling as safe as possible.
"Why are we having to undo such a nonsense? Rather than adding this to a list of schemes, we just need to do it."
The committee was told that a Traffic Regulation Order would be required to install a contraflow lane, alongside the costs for new signage in the area.
Members voted that the proposal be added to a list of potential schemes for inclusion in its future Safer Roads Schemes Programme, set to be discussed at a committee meeting next month.
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