Weymouth and Portland cyclists in fury over cycle route

9:00am Saturday 7th November 2009

By Martin Lea

CYCLING groups are furious after hearing an improved cycle route to Portland may not be completed in time for the 2012 Olympics.

While welcoming investment in Weymouth’s transport infrastructure, they say locals will be left without a proper cycleway to the Olympic venue at Osprey Quay and onto the island.

A narrow cycleway exists on Portland Beach Road but enthusiasts say riding a bike on the causeway next to heavy traffic and in strong winds can be hazardous.

They have pressed for a route on the other side, along an old train trackbed which would link comfortably with the Rodwell Trail.

Dorset County Council says this is not possible due to objections from Natural England about protected habitats – a view confirmed by the authority’s own ecologist.

Instead, the council intends to improve the existing cycleway but will only complete a section from Ferrybridge to the Chesil Beach Centre before 2012 – funding permitted.

There is money in the pot to complete four cycle and walkway routes in Weymouth before 2012 but only because they connect park and ride routes and are designed to support spectator movements when the sailing events are held.

Project manager for the Portland section, county council technical officer Emma Banwell, says Local Transport Plan and Olympic Delivery Authority funding is not available for the island route because it is not on the way to an official spectator area.

But Weymouth and Portland co-ordinator for the Dorset Cyclists’ Network Ken Reed said the route was crucial not only for Olympic access and Osprey Quay development but for the 14,000 people who live on Portland.

Mr Reed said Portland Beach Road was dangerous and that it was ‘nonsense’ that the cycleway may not even be upgraded in time for 2012.

“Dorset County Council is laying new cycleways in Weymouth to provide Olympic access but is ignoring 14,000 Portlanders who will probably have to travel to Weymouth by road to watch the sailing. The whole thing is in disarray,” Mr Reed said.

Mike Kelly, of the Dorset Cyclists’ Network, said despite its protected status, the old trackbed is used unofficially by walkers and some cyclists. But Miss Banwell said the council couldn’t be seen to promote that route.

Mr Kelly said: “I’m disappointed because the cycleway shouldn’t just be for the Olympics. However, making improvements puts pressure on the council to get the job finished.

Miss Banwell hopes funding will be available to make improvements before 2012, with the remaining section examined after the Games.