NEW cycle lane symbols which have been sprayed onto potholed roads in urgent need of repair have been slammed as ‘tokenism’.

The markings appeared on roads in east Kidlington which are riddled with large potholes, cracks and raised areas around manholes.

Cherwell councillor Ian Middleton was ‘flabbergasted’ to see the new symbols, particularly after asking the county council to repair those roads since he was elected in 2019.

One of the streets where the markings have appeared is Yarnton Road, which has a long stretch of damage tarmac near the kerb that makes for an ‘uncomfortable’ and ‘dangerous’ ride for cyclists.

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Although the cycle markings were placed as part of funding under the county council’s Oxfordshire Active Travel Tranche 1 works, Mr Middleton has accused the council of ‘tokenism’ towards cycling infrastructure in his ward.

He said: “I was gobsmacked when I saw the cycling symbol on Yarnton Road. This is a road that I regularly cycle down and it’s a real bone shaker.

“It’s no exaggeration to say that you have to hang on for dear life as you bounce along the road near the kerbs, dodging potholes and cracks. It’s especially dangerous at night.”

The Green councillor said repeated requests to the council and reports on Fix My Street had gone unheeded.

Oxford Mail:

Now, in the wake of increased cycling as a result of the pandemic, cycle lane symbols have appeared on the road on top of the cracks.

Mr Middleton added: “The road forms part of a national cycling route, but you’d never know it to look at the surface of the carriageway. It’s certainly not for the faint-hearted. I couldn’t believe they just slapped a cycle symbol on without any attention to its terrible condition.

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“It takes more than a pot of paint and a stencil to create a cycle path: the road surface has to be fit for riders if they are to be encouraged to use it. Even motorists complain about the state of this road.

“How does the council expect cyclists to cope as they rattle across these severely damaged and uneven surfaces?

“It just goes to show how little the council knows or cares about the plight of cyclists.”

Oxfordshire County Council said the markings were painted to alert motorists, as many cycle routes were not suitable for proper lanes yet.

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A spokesperson said: “With the Covid-19 restrictions there was an expectancy that the number of cycle journeys would increase, as there were restrictions on public transport use.

“The council considered routes that may have been likely to have increased cycle flows, however many of the routes were not suitable in terms of available width to be able to install a proper cycle lane compliant to current standards.

“The symbols were placed to act as a warning to motorists that there was an increased likelihood of cyclists on this and other similar routes.

“We are aware of the condition of the carriageway and will be planning to include this area on a future works programme.”