Solihull council is set to improve safety measures on the Blossomfield Road cycle route following concerns about delivery drivers frequently blocking the lane, hindering cyclists and raising safety issues. Installed in 2022, the two-way cycleway runs between the junction of Dorchester Road and Widney Lane and has seen a 41% rise in cycling activity.
Despite these gains, critics have raised issues with the current setup. Modifications such as orca kerbs and plastic wands, used to separate cyclists from vehicles, have been called both unsightly and hazardous. Councillor Samantha Gethen highlighted that the orca kerbs have caused accidents, with residents falling over them, and suggested that traditional kerbs would offer a safer, cleaner solution.
Other concerns focus on changes made at bus stops along the route, which now force buses to stop on the road, disrupting the flow and raising safety concerns. Councillor Kathryn Thomas emphasized the importance of the route for schools and colleges in the area, pointing out that encouraging cycling among young people justifies the safety improvements. “If it saves the life of a child then it is worth it,” she said.
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To address these problems, the council proposes investing nearly £500,000 of government and West Midlands Combined Authority funding to replace the temporary orca kerbs and wands with permanent traditional kerbs. Highway infrastructure lead Paresh Shingadia noted that maintaining the current materials has been costly and cumbersome over the years.
Delivery vehicles have been singled out as a particular issue, with drivers often parking in the cycle lane during peak delivery times, blocking cyclists and increasing hazards. Councillor Max McLoughlin brought this up as a pressing concern that needs to be resolved to keep the route functional and safe.
Councillor Ken Hawkins, portfolio holder for environment and infrastructure, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to a fully segregated cycle route with proper kerbing to enhance user safety. He stressed that making the route safer could encourage more residents to choose cycling as their mode of transport.
The council plans to consult residents living along Blossomfield Road early next year, aiming to complete the agreed improvements by March 2027. This move is part of a broader effort to encourage active travel while ensuring the safety of all road users.