Work to remove 'disaster' cycle lane to start soon
Work to remove a much-derided cycle lane will begin next month, Middlesbrough's mayor has confirmed.The Linthorpe Road route has faced a backlash since it was installed in 2022, with concerns over cyclists and pedestrians being injured, and businesses branding it a "disaster" due to it taking up parking space.Mayor Chris Cooke said his pledge to remove the cycle lane, which cost £1.7m and was approved under his predecessor Andy Preston, would soon be fulfilled.The Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) is paying to reinstate the road and work will begin on 26 August.Last summer, the lane was dubbed "an absolute disaster" by the owner of Madame Rouge vintage pub and tearooms, with other traders reporting falling custom due to a shortage of parking and drop-off access.Other concerns centred around several cyclists and pedestrians being injured while using the new layout, which was paid for using £1.7m of government funding, given to the council by the TVCA, aimed at encouraging active travel.Labour's Cooke said: "After listening to businesses and residents I pledged the cycle lane would go. "We do want to encourage more people to cycle and walk, but future schemes have to be in the right place and learn the lessons from this saga."
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