A dangerous cycle path set-up in Exeter is creating a constant stream of arguments between drivers and cyclists, it has been claimed.
When motorists are turning left into Pinbrook Road, the angle of the cycle path puts it firmly in their blind spot, meaning drivers are stating it is almost impossible to see cyclists until the last minute.
Councillor Ed Hill (Independent, Pinhoe & Mincinglake) said because drivers have to give way to cyclists rather than the other way around, it is putting residents in cars and vans in an almost impossible situation.
“I’ve had loads of complaints about the junction, and the garage opposite complained it was dangerous,” he said.
Devon County Council said it had not received any complaints about the junction from residents and that the set-up of the cycle path with the junction followed national guidance.
Cllr Hill has recorded a video of himself driving at a snail’s pace to outline the issue, and even while filming it, the very problem being raised occurred, as a cyclist emerges out of his blind spot.
Because he was barely moving, he was able to stop, but for someone travelling even slightly faster in their car, it could have caused an accident.
“While I was there assessing it, other businesses and local workers came out to tell me how dangerous it was,” he said.
“They said there are always arguments between cyclists and drivers. Many drivers use the nearby recycling centre, and because that isn’t a regular route for them, they don’t realise that this junction has a different set-up to others.
“Nobody expects to turn into a road to be confronted with a priority cycle path within a couple of metres of turning, so people look into the middle ground and distance rather than the lines just in front of their bonnet.”
Cllr Hill believes other cycle lane set-ups around the city are far better, including on Sweetbriar Lane, where he says drivers can far more easily notice cyclists in their wing mirrors before turning, and don’t suffer the same blind spot they do on Pinbrook Road.
A spokesperson for Devon County Council said: “We have not received any other concerns regarding this junction.
“The junction has been designed in accordance with the latest national cycling infrastructure guidance and the current priority arrangement reflects changes to the Highway Code introduced in 2021, which require drivers turning into a side road to give way to cyclists travelling ahead of them.”
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