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Cyclists have been warned they could be forced to "risk their lives" after Wirral Council confirmed it is considering temporarily removing the Fender Lane cycle lane to ease disruption during major roadworks.
As many Wirral cyclists know, the route connects Moreton and Bidston and was installed in 2022 as part of a government-funded scheme that cost over £200,000. The route reduced the busy lane from two lanes in each direction to just one. Motorists criticised the decision, naturally, as some believe it causes more traffic, but cyclists praised it.
Because National Highways will begin M53 bridge replacement works in Upton this September, the council is debating whether the cycle lane can be temporarily removed to increase road capacity for diverted traffic. The works would last a while, scheduled for around 18 months, according to Birkenhead News.
A Wirral Council spokesperson confirmed the consideration of the plan to improve traffic flow while the works are carried out.
Unfortunately, not everyone is keen on the proposal. It has sparked concern from Better Streets for Wirral, which campaigns for safer walking and cycling routes across the area.
Chair Gary Rolfe said removing the lane would make cycling along Fender Lane dangerous once again. Just last month, there was a serious three-vehicle collision on Fender Lane involving two motorbikes and a van.
He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the route has made a significant difference to cyclist safety since it opened and warned that taking it away would force people back into fast-moving traffic.
"I'm fed up of my life being at risk," he said, arguing that the council should be expanding its cycling network rather than removing existing infrastructure.
Mr Rolfe also challenged the idea that the cycle lane is responsible for congestion on Fender Lane. He said the route is well used by cyclists and believes delays are more likely to be caused by the nearby traffic lights at the junction with Hoylake Road and Reeds Lane than by the loss of a traffic lane.
The council has not made a final decision, with officers continuing to assess options ahead of the M53 improvement works beginning later this year.
