In a move that’s sparking heated debate, Reading Borough Council has announced plans to dismantle a significant portion of a cycle lane on one of the town’s busiest routes, prioritizing car traffic over cyclists. But here’s where it gets controversial: the council claims this decision is about ‘making the best possible use of road space,’ yet it’s leaving many to wonder if this is a step backward for sustainable transport. Let’s dive into the details and the questions it raises.
The two-way cycle lane on Sidmouth Street, initially installed as a temporary measure during the Covid-19 pandemic, was made permanent in September 2022 as part of a broader vision to create a connected cycling network in Reading. This move came after two tragic cyclist fatalities in a single day, highlighting the urgent need for safer cycling infrastructure. However, the lane has since been labeled ‘underused’ by the council, which attributes this to a lack of funding to connect it to other nearby routes. Is this a fair assessment, or is the council missing the bigger picture?
The council’s plans involve retaining only a portion of the cycle lane south of the South Street junction to London Road, while reconfiguring Sidmouth Street to accommodate two to three lanes for motorists. This change, they argue, will ease traffic congestion and ‘pave the way’ for a new bus lane on London Road, aimed at improving public transport reliability. But here’s the kicker: the bus lane, approved in January 2024, still has no set construction date. So, are cyclists being sacrificed for a plan that’s yet to materialize?
Councillor John Ennis, Reading’s lead for climate strategy and transport, defends the decision, stating it ensures ‘the best possible use of road space.’ He also claims the new bus lane will create a ‘safer’ shared space for cyclists. However, this raises a critical question: Can shared spaces truly replace dedicated cycling infrastructure, or are they a compromise that puts cyclists at greater risk?
The controversy doesn’t end there. In 2023, the council’s bid for Active Travel England funding to connect the Sidmouth Street lane to the National Cycle Network 422 was rejected, leaving the lane isolated. The council blamed the Tory Government’s slashed active travel budget, but a Green councillor countered that the council’s plans were flawed, arguing they would have duplicated routes rather than connecting Reading’s ‘disjointed’ cycling network. Who’s really to blame for the lack of progress, and what does this mean for the future of cycling in Reading?
This isn’t the first time Reading’s cycling infrastructure has faced scrutiny. A newly installed cycle lane on Shinfield Road in 2023 became a national joke after a council video showcasing its benefits was interrupted by a van driving straight over it. The lane was criticized for its bumpy surface and poor design, with one cyclist calling it a ‘good initiative badly implemented.’ If these projects are failing, is it due to poor planning, lack of funding, or both?
Adding to the frustration, a massive puddle on the Sidmouth Street lane has forced cyclists to swerve into traffic, with one rider nearly being hit by a motorist. Meanwhile, an ‘accident hotspot’ roundabout in Reading, which has seen over 70 crashes in 25 years, was only addressed after a cyclist was killed. Are these isolated incidents, or symptoms of a deeper issue in how Reading prioritizes road safety?
The plans will be presented to the council’s Traffic Management Sub-Committee on March 5th, followed by a public consultation if approved. But the question remains: Is Reading truly committed to sustainable transport, or is it prioritizing cars at the expense of cyclists and pedestrians? We want to hear from you—do these changes make sense, or is Reading taking a step backward? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
