SHOPPERS and residents have raised concerns as the installation of a new cycle lane in Colchester's city centre edges ever closer to completion.

A two-way cycle lane is set to open in Head Street, opposite Odeon, in a bid to increase the number of people who can travel safely by bike in the city.

Works on the new lane, which is is 3.5 metres wide and 212 metres long and runs alongside one-way traffic, began in August 2023.

However, its arrival has divided opinion among members of the public.

Colchester’s High Steward and former MP, Sir Bob Russell, for example, fears “there could be a collision with a pedestrian not noticing a cycling travelling north to south against all the other traffic”.

Gazette: Frustrated - Sir Bob shared his concernFrustrated - Sir Bob shared his concern (Image: Public)

And many others agree.

Adam Fitton said: “Making a two-way cycle lane, on a one-way street is asking for trouble.”

Shane Jones, meanwhile, added: “I'm sorry but why spend £100k on a cycle lane when most of the roads in Colchester are absolutely shocking.

"The repairs on our cars are costing more and more because the council would rather waste money on a cycle lane other than put that money into the roads that us drivers pay for it's pathetic.”

Suzy Carter also feels the pavement will now be too small due to the cycle lane, while Philip Scordis jokingly said: “No need to worry...there will only be a few bikes each day...”

Gazette: Controversial - new bike lane near completionControversial - new bike lane near completion (Image: Sir Bob Russell)

Richard Hughes also feels not many cyclists will use the route.

He said: “I think Deliveroo and Just Eat will be the only users.”

And Wayne Seaden said: “When statistics are low for the amount of cyclists that ride through the city centre, it makes you wonder why spend that much money on a cycle lane in the first place.

“On the flip side of the coin it will only be those that don't look that will be hit by a bicycle and that will be down to them if they do.

“It's a little late moaning about a project that's near completion. Surely people had the chance to voice concerns before work started. Too late now.”

Essex County Council bosses have now defended the cycle lane.

A spokesman said: "The cycle facility offers greater choices for travel and will significantly boost green transport. We believe everyone has a right to travel safely.

“With all Active Travel funding ringfenced by central government, the project also does not detract from highway maintenance.”