NEW cycle lanes have been installed on a key Weymouth town centre road following the removal of old railway tracks.

As part of work to resurface Commercial Road, two on-road cycle lanes - one on each side of the road - have been introduced.

Dorset Council say this is in a bid to encourage people to cycle and help facilitate cycling where traffic volume and speeds are relatively low between Westham Bridge and Lower St Alban Street.

Councillor Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: “There are several cycleways that converge at Westham Bridge but stop before getting any further into the town centre.

"As part of the peninsula regeneration, we hope to connect the area to the extensive cycle network around the town.

“With the removal of the tracks, Commercial Road will become much safer for cyclists and we’ve taken the opportunity to install these cycle lanes while replacing road markings after our recent resurfacing works.

”The centre line along Commercial Road between Westham Bridge and Lower St Alban Street has not been replaced as its removal will help further reduce vehicle speeds.

"This road layout gives priority to cyclists – with vehicles slowing down to pass each other safely or overrunning into the cycle lane if safe to do so."

Further proposed cycle links in the town centre, which will require legal orders to introduce, will be consulted on early next year.