The controversial two-way cycle lane in Reading’s Sidmouth Street may be reconfigured after the council admitted few cyclists are using it.
The Government-funded scheme, implemented temporarily in lockdown and made permanent in late 2022, was initially to maintain social distancing and keep citizens active during Covid.
Once it was made permanent in September 2022 it was expected to be part of an expansion of cycle routes across Reading.
However, lack of funding means no such expansions have materialised and therefore the lane is both underused by cyclists and inconvenient for drivers, who are barred from accessing Sidmouth Street from South Street, and vice versa. Despite the inconvenience that has persisted for years, changes are being proposed now due to the impact of a new bus lane on London Road.
On March 5, recommendations will be made to Reading Council’s traffic management sub-committee, containing four proposals for alterations to the cycle lane, however officers proposing the changes recommend the second option as the most cost effective.
It would involve retaining the southbound cycle lane below the South Street junction, whilst introducing two lanes entry to Sidmouth Street from London Road, allowing for two lanes of traffic between South Street and London Road.
No date has been set for the possible introduction of the new London Street bus lane.
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