A West Lothian councillor says the new cycle lanes are causing congestion on the roads.
The Councillor for Blackridge and Armadale Stuart Borrowman says that new lanes are creating “practical difficulties” for residents.
Cllr Borrowman complained online that this leaving locals unable to park and access a bus stop.
He said: “Well, the installation of bollards as part of the cycle lanes in Westrigg seems to have gone down well in the village!
“The cycle lanes east of the Craig Inn are apparently mandatory and the bollards are not part of the installation process, they’re there to stay.
“Among the issues I’ve raised with the council are access to the bus stop at the Parkville, residents in Fleming Place can’t park to unload messages and football parking on the main road at Westrigg Park would now be prohibited.
“In fairness to the manager, he’s agreed to look at all of this.
“However well-intentioned the scheme, the council’s idea is to make cycling more attractive and deliberately narrow the width of the carriageway, it’s creating practical difficulties for residents and puzzling many others.”
Some locals replied to the councillor and agreed with his sentiments.
One said: “Cycle lanes are good in principle but often existing roads cant accommodate the changes and its then useless for both motorists and cyclists. The council really need to consult with locals before implementing stuff like this and then these issues could probably have been identified at the outset.”
Another added: “There’s not enough room between the cycle lane and middle of the road markings. I normally give cyclists a far wider berth when overtaking them, pity help them when buses and lorries are passing along side them.”
West Lothian Council recently announced that almost £200,000 will be spent encouraging people to get out and cycle as part of their Smarter Choices Smarter Places programme.
The Courier also revealed last year that the council had invested £142,000 on advisory street cycle lanes in Linlithgow, Broxburn and Blackridge as part of the Spaces for People programme.
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