Dundee City Council is looking at ways to tackle illegal parking after a local group branded one cycle lane as a ‘laugh’.
At times, cyclists have no chance of using the lane in Bank Street.
Despite road markings including a blue marked section for cyclists and double yellow lines, cars can sometimes be found parked nearly the length of the street.
Local SNP councillor Mark Flynn recently highlighted the issue.
He shared an image on social media which he says illustrates “how ‘not’ to use a cycle lane”.
Interesting to see how “not” to use a cycle lane and I will be following this up with @DundeeCouncil officers . pic.twitter.com/mFOvaRLVWj
— Mark Flynn (@MarkFlynnSNP) September 23, 2022
And he said he would be raising the matter with Dundee City Council.
Valentine Scarlet chairs Dundee Cycling Forum.
She gets around the city on her tricycle.
Cyclists not impressed
And she describes vehicles parked in cycle lanes as a “constant annoyance”.
“The one in Bank Street is ridiculous and it’s been like that for so long.
“It’s a laugh of a cycle lane.”
Bank Street is not the only problem area, she says.
“It’s indicative of quite a few cycle lanes throughout the city.
“Trying to find a safe route down to the city is a laugh.
“Cars have no respect for cycle lanes.”
What about the Dundee Cycling Strategy?
Dundee council bosses are keen to sell the city as a cycling friendly destination.
The authority’s Dundee Cycling Strategy, which it published in 2019, sets out its ambition to change travel habits.
A council spokesperson says transport chiefs are aware of the situation at Bank Street.
And they are “actively looking at ways that we can deter drivers from doing this, including increased enforcement activity”.
“It is not acceptable to block the cycle lane for any period of time,” adds the Dundee council spokesperson.
Valentine acknowledges there are “amazing plans” to boost cycling in the city.
The council is considering five new cycle routes serving areas including Ninewells, Lochee and Stobswell.
And from next year cyclists will have an off road route all the way from Dundee to Monifieth.
But Valentine is not convinced all this will be enough to discourage car use.
“I think the council has got a battle on its hands because Dundee’s drivers are determined to keep driving.
“It is coming out with amazing plans.
“It sounds like really good things are going to be happening.
“But it’s going to be an uphill battle to get rid of cars in Dundee, because everybody’s wedded to their cars.”
Conversation