Push for safe cycle lane in Caversham after resurfacing

For years, Lower Henley Road has had two separate ‘advisory cycle lanes’ taking cyclists northeast to Henley Road and southwest to The Star roundabout.

But recently the northbound cycle lane on the road and its advanced stop line at its junction with Henley Road were removed in recent resurfacing works.

The cycle lane is called the north-west cycle lane, as it is used by cyclists to head north and connects with Henley Road using a left turn.

The junction of Henley Road and Lower Henley Road in Caversham. Credit: Google Maps

The lane is advisory in nature, meaning cars are allowed to drive into the lane in certain scenarios.

The cycle lane was meant to be removed years ago after a council decision in 2015 which abandoned advisory lanes in favour of mandatory cycle lanes which drivers are not allowed to enter.

That decision was made after neighbours argued that the northeast lane was unsafe, as it was right next to on-street residential parking and made the road narrower for drivers.

The northeast bound advisory cycle lane in Lower Henley Road, Caversham which has recently been removed following resurfacing works. Credit: Google Maps

Now, a call has been made for the council to explore a safe way for cyclists to be able to use Lower Henley Road.

This plea was made in a question from councillor Matt Yeo (Labour, Caversham) at a council meeting this month.

He argued that providing a safe cycle lane for those heading northeast would assist in encouraging more people to cycle instead of driving.

Cllr Yeo said: “In February 2019 the Council declared a ‘Climate Emergency’ and has since worked consistently to reduce carbon emissions in the Borough with the objective of being net zero by 2030.

“A key strategy to reduce carbon emissions is recognised to be the promotion of a transport modal shift from cars to public transports and cycles across the Borough.

“Can the administration confirm that it is committed to get to net zero by 2030 as well as to consult and engage with ward councillors, cycle campaigners and local residents to find a way to allow cyclists to safely use Lower Henley Road?”

The question was answered by John Ennis, the lead councillor for climate strategy and transport.

Cllr Ennis (Labour, Southcote) said:  “Due to the available road width and particularly with on-street parking, there is no quick-fix for finding a compliant and acceptable uphill cycle lane in addition to the downhill advisory lane.

“However, it remains a desire to find a solution, accepting

that development and delivery of a scheme may require significant funding and alterations to how the road is used.”

The council’s highways team will now work on providing an acceptable and compliant north-eastbound cycle lane.

Discussion of the issue took place at a meeting of the council’s traffic management sub-committee on Monday, November 13.