Colchester cycle lane near North Station 'poorly used' figures show

The cycle lane near Colchester North Station was constructed in 2020, and although the move was welcomed by cycle campaigners, it drew criticism from some quarters for worsening the city's traffic problem.

One of the chief critics of the scheme was Sir Bob Russell, who has now received data pertaining to the usage of the cycle lane thanks to a Freedom of Information request responded to by Essex County Council.

County Hall's data shows in July 2020 the cycle lane was used by an average of 478 cyclists per day during a 479-day period from May 2022 to August 2023.

However, that usage fell to an average of 265 cyclists per day a proportional drop of 44 per cent.

Previously – this picture, taken in 2016, shows Station Way several years before the cycle lane was built (Image: Google Street View)

In a stinging criticism of County Hall, Sir Bob said the cycle lane had been introduced thanks to the “rhetoric of cycling zealots”.

He said: “I am not sure if those at County Hall in Chelmsford are clowns, but the evidence shows this cycle lane has been a flop – it has not done what the so-called traffic experts said would happen, and it has exposed the reality of life as opposed to the rhetoric of the cycling zealots.

Critical – it is not the first time that Sir Bob Russell has hit out at County Hall's plans for cycle lanes (Image: Newsquest)

“We need Basil Fawlty to take charge – to explain ‘the bleedin obvious’, that the evidence shows the Station Way cycle lane is poorly used as this huge decline proves.

“Therefore, the programme of yet more cycle-lanes, adding to congestion and having a negative impact on the lives of the overwhelming majority of the population, should be cancelled.”

Essex County Council has been contacted for comment.