Controversial Cycle Route in Swansea Road Deemed Safer by Council
The Swansea Council has declared that the addition of a controversial cycle route to a road has made it safer for residents. The cycle lane, which was constructed in Mayals Road, faced significant opposition from locals who believed it was unnecessary. However, the council now claims that accident statistics indicate a positive impact following the installation of the cycle route.
According to the Swansea Council, prior to the construction of the active travel route in Mayals Road in 2020-21, there were three serious accidents and three minor incidents in the three years leading up to it. Subsequently, there was only one minor accident in the three years following the completion of the cycle lane. While specific details about the individuals involved in the pre-2020 accidents were not provided, the council mentioned that the sole incident post-2020 included a vehicle and pedestrian.
The council, in collaboration with Welsh Government funding, highlighted that data from South Wales Police illustrated a decrease in accidents on the road. The council also mentioned that over the decade leading up to 2020, there were a total of 26 vehicle-related accidents on Mayals Road, with nine of them categorised as severe. Councillor Andrew Stevens, the cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the safety improvements have created a conducive environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
Stevens emphasised the council’s commitment to enhancing walking and cycling routes across Swansea to encourage the use of sustainable modes of transportation. He addressed the initial opposition faced during the construction phase, citing misinformation that claimed the new route would be hazardous and lead to more accidents. Stevens reassured the public that safety considerations were paramount in the design of such routes, accommodating all road users efficiently.
The active travel route on Mayals Road commences at the bottom with a shared-use pavement section, leading to a pedestrian crossing a few hundred meters uphill. Cyclists are encouraged to cross at this point to access a dedicated cycle lane towards the top of the road. Although there is a designated cycle lane for downhill cyclists, some cyclists still opt to ride on the main road.
A resident of Mayals Road, Paul Kane, expressed scepticism towards the provided accident data, asserting that the active travel scheme did not yield any tangible benefits. Kane observed minimal usage of the new route, primarily by a small number of individuals, with the majority continuing to use the road itself. He noted challenges faced by delivery drivers and tradespeople due to restricted parking space, occasionally leading to blockages in the cycle lanes.
In response to feedback from residents and cyclists, Councillor Chris Evans of Mayals proposed the installation of a chicane outside the Mumbles Bay Court retirement complex to manage downhill cyclist speed effectively. Despite facing some initial setbacks, the council aims to extend the active travel route from Mayals across Clyne Common to Bishopston, promoting sustainable travel options in the region.
As Swansea continues its efforts to prioritise pedestrian and cyclist safety, the completion of the Mayals Road cycle route stands as a testament to the council’s commitment to sustainable urban planning and enhancing road safety measures.