New Bradford Road, Bingley, layout causes controversy

Construction has been carried out on Bradford Road, Bingley, with a new cycle lane created as part of the scheme, but residents living off the main road claim they have witnessed several near misses. 

Bradford Council said the scheme has had "strong positive feedback" from Active Travel England and the site has not been raised with police as an area of concern. 

However, a spokesperson said highways officers will monitor the route. 

One elderly lady, who described the bus as her 'lifeline', said she has been forced to use taxis due to the position of the bus stop and the limited space for her stroller.

New road layout causes controversy as elderly woman scared to use bus (Image: West Yorkshire Police)

The new layout means buses stop in the middle of the road, stopping all traffic behind them as people get on and off.

The woman said she was left with the feeling of being stranded in the middle of a big road. 

“When the bus is parked there, cars wanting to turn right can’t see the cycle lane and that’s the problem," she said. 

“My nurse and neighbours have told me not to use the bus, because of where the bus stop is placed. I’m a vulnerable person.

“To get to the doctors last week, it cost me £7.50 each way and that’s a lot of money.

“It’s an absolute disgrace. Everything was fine up until October and then they started doing this work.”

Due to the bus stopping in the road, it's claimed that some drivers are driving into oncoming traffic to overtake the bus.

The woman also claimed cyclists have stopped using the cycle lane for their own safety.

Bus Island on new Bradford Road, Bingley layout (Image: Google Street View)

“I’ve seen cyclists not using the lane because cars can’t see what’s coming down the lane," she said. 

“It’s really unsettling and we’ve witnessed some near accidents.”

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “The construction of the Cottingley – Bingley Cycle route is ongoing and due to be completed shortly.

"The scheme has been designed and constructed to the latest Department for Transport design standards and has had strong positive feedback from Active Travel England. 

"A full safety audit of the installed scheme will take place after the work has been completed.  

“In the meantime, our highways officers will monitor the route closely. 

"The local Neighbourhood Policing Team has confirmed there haven’t been any accidents at this location since June and that the site hasn’t been raised with them as an area of concern.”