No change on bike rules for Lyme Regis esplanade (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

No change on bike rules for Lyme Regis esplanade

5:30pm Wednesday 12th September 2012 in Lyme Regis By Rene Gerryts

AFTER much discussion about introducing a cycle path along Lyme Regis seafront councillors opted to do nothing.

Councillors at the town management committee agreed at their August meeting to talk to Dorset County Council about the possibilities.

But at their meeting last week they decided to leave things as they were.

Members said they had a lot of feedback – both for and against – the cycle path.

Deputy town clerk John Wright said the county council said there would be an increased risk and liability to the council, but it could restrict cycling at certain times of the year.

Mr Wright said: “But if we want to, we can do it. It will involve some signs and it will involve some increased risk to the council.”

Coun Barbara Austin said: “I can’t believe this council is even discussing putting a cycle path along Marine Parade.

“It is a place for a quiet leisurely stroll with elderly people and small children.

“You won’t find the bigger towns like Bournemouth with a cycle path because they respect their visitors who like to go along the parade for a quiet stroll.

“I think we are already going down the wrong road to suggest a cycle path along the Marine Parade.”

She said there were bylaws prohibiting cycling and there used to be a sign by the Bay Hotel.

A cycle path would mean the bylaw would have to be rescinded, she said.

Coun George Symonds said he was against the path and even cyclists said it is not a path that goes anywhere.

He said: “We are not joining up anywhere. It is just an isolated piece of road which potentially would be putting people and this council at risk.”

Coun Terry O’Grady said he had lots of feedback for and against but before anything happened the council should do a risk assessment.

Coun Campbell said: “You could argue that by putting something in place that this is allowed at this time of year actually would be in your favour – you may not allow it in July and August for example.

“You can cycle along half the Cart Road because it is a public highway and people are cycling along in front of the huts and acting generally responsibly so there is a part of me that says leave it be and let them get on with it and use common sense.”

Coun Mark Gage, a regular cyclist, said: “The style of riding along there depends on the time of day, the time of year and the amount of people around.”

Coun Campbell proposed the council stay with the status quo and re-instate the bylaw signs and councillors agreed.