Coventry council faces criticism for cycle lane plan requiring removal of 26 trees, despite High Court rejection of appeals.
The High Court rejected an attempt to save the trees. Campaigners tried to stop the council’s plan, seeking a review of the cycleway decision. The route is planned for Clifford Bridge Road.
Last year, people strongly opposed cutting the trees. A judge refused to stop the work and rejected a review of the council’s decision.
One person thought the cycleway was a waste of money, saying no one uses the cycleway in Coundon. They claim the council spends money on festivals and students.
Someone else likes cycle lanes, but wants cyclists taxed and insured. They saw cyclists using the road, not the cycle lane, and believe this should be an offense.
A commenter noted most cyclists already pay taxes and spoke of the cost of car-related damages. Pothole repairs are costly, and pollution leads to billions in health costs.
They mentioned cycling organization membership which provides public liability coverage. This person believes more cyclists should get it, citing its lobbying for better cycling infrastructure.
Another person distrusts councils now and wants to stop cutting trees. They do not want building on green spaces and do not want tax money in the wrong hands.
Someone wondered if residents would care less if the trees were removed for more parking.
One person called the cycleway a “white elephant” and wants cyclist surveys before cutting trees. They mentioned the cycleway on Hearsall Common and question how many people use it.
Someone else agreed about cyclist surveys. They suggested tracking cyclist flow with road cables to see if a cycle lane is needed that way.
Another person mentioned Binley Road and Barker’s Butts Lane, stating few cyclists use wide cycle lanes there. They question how UHCW staff would cycle to work, considering nurses work long shifts, so cycling is unlikely and suggest the money could have built a free staff car park.
A cyclist likes bike lanes, but finds the Binley one excessive. A simple line and signs would suffice, they argued, believing no trees needed removal.
One says the Binley Road lane is more dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. It’s increased pollution through more traffic, and buses block the road and increase travel time.