WILTSHIRE Council has agreed to change some signs in areas of Melksham to be clearer about when cyclists should not be on the pavements, following a resident’s complaint that signs are misleading.
Barbara Cropp complained to Wiltshire Council about a sign erected at the junction of Longford Road and King Street.
In Barbara’s complaint she said, “The sign points down King Street but does not indicate that cyclists should not be on the pavement. This is indication of cycle and pedestrian route 403. Looking at the map produced by Connecting Wilshire; King Street is classed as a recommended cycle route (on road), but looking at this signpost, there is no indication that a cyclist should not be on the pavement. I think this is very misleading, and if I was a cyclist, I would assume that as I was able to use the top of King Street (which is dual use), I would still be able to use the pavement into town. There is no indication showing that the cyclists should transfer to the road or dismount.
“We have a real problem with cyclists on pavements in Melksham. I believe this is because we have a few dual use pavements (which are very wide), and cyclists young and old seem to assume that all pavements are dual use.
In a response to her complaint, Wiltshire Council’s senior transport planner said, “The signage team have visited the site and reviewed the signage. Their response is as follows: ‘I agree with the customer that the signing is misleading. I will therefore arrange for the following action: Relocate the sign shown in their photograph to the other side of Semington Road (where there is no footway); Re-align the sign pointing towards Trowbridge so that it is facing the correct way; and provide a new sign ‘Cyclists Re-join Carriageway’ on approach to the Longford Road junction, heading into town’.
“We do have a budget for this purpose, but given current resource and priorities, this unfortunately will not be implemented as a priority.”
Following the reply from Wiltshire Council, Barabara said, “The only thing I am worried about with this is the timescale. When is it going to be done? We are encouraged to walk around the town, but this is difficult when there are so many cyclists on pavements. I see people of all ages on the pavements, not just young people and when you question them, they say it’s because the roads are so busy, but that is not an excuse. It’s frustrating and nothing is being done about it and the signs certainly do not help.”
Cyclists riding on pavements is a controversial issue in Melksham. Town councillors discussed the issue in January following complaints of cyclists riding on pavements in the town centre. At that meeting, the town council resolved to devise a cycle map showing routes around the town and create an education piece for residents about the law regarding cycling on pavements.
Pictured: The sign Barbara has complained about
