NEW cycle routes have been described as “sheer madness” amid fears they will put people in danger.

Colchester has been designated a cycle town and work has begun on a £126,000 route along Crouch Street.

But critics have complained about so much being spent on a cycle route in the current climate. And they fear changes allowing cyclists to use subways and shared pavements could endanger shoppers, schoolchildren and those using prams and wheelchairs.

Highway representatives admitted cyclists would need to take care, but defended the cost, stating much of it comes from Cycle England and cannot be spent elsewhere.

Bill Frame, ward councillor for the area, said: “What concerns me about what we are doing is perception. In really stringent times, we are spending six-figure sums on bits of roads for cycle paths.

“They are going to see a lot of work in Crouch Street. This is just to make sure cyclists can get right through to the other side. There is already a route available. It involves getting off your bike a couple of times.”

He said shopkeepers in the area were also unhappy at the temporary loss of parking and what it will mean for their trade.

Paula Whitney, co-ordinator of Colchester Friends of the Earth, is also unhappy.

She said: “It is sheer madness and lacking in intelligent understanding of the need for safety of pedestrians, particularly the elderly shoppers and the crowds of students who congregate around the west end of Crouch Street by the Tesco Express.

“There will also be conflict between them and cyclists and the many cars using that stretch of Crouch Street.”

However Jennifer Gudka, Essex County Council east area highway liaison officer, argued: “It is money for Colchester Cycle Town. Half was provided by Cycle England and there was extensive consultation with Crouch Street.”

Work started on Monday. It means cyclists riding along Lexden Road will be able to use a new cycle bypass at the junction with Rawstorn Road, before using a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists along the south side of Crouch Street West.

Cyclists can then go through the underpass in Crouch Street East, before going along a dedicated cycle route behind existing parking. Although no parking spaces will be lost in the long-term, parking in Crouch Street East will be suspended from Monday for up to two months.

Funding for Colchester Cycle Town ends this year.