Published: March 17, 2008
New cycle lane being considered for Burnham-On-Sea seafront

A dedicated cycling lane could soon be introduced along Burnham's seafront pavements as part of plans to make them safer for walkers.

Town councillors are considering the introduction of a special cycle lane along the wider pavements of the Southern Esplanade (pictured) in an apparent U-turn on their previous policy of banning cyclists from using seafront pavements.

Town clerk Eileen Shaw confirmed at a council meeting on Monday evening (March 17th): "We have been approached by the police about the possibility of seperating the pavements along the South Esplanade and introducing a cycle lane. It comes after a recent near miss when a walker was almost hit by a bike."

Deputy Mayor Cllr Neville Jones is in favour of the plans, saying people should be encouraged to use pavements along the seafront.

"It's quite absurd that we should ask cyclists to go onto the dangerous road when we have wide pavements for them here. Painting a line down the middle - as has been done in Weston - would be very sensible."

The scheme is to be considered by Sedgemoor District Council over the next few months.

During Monday's meeting, Graham Newing, Sedgemoor's Beach Safety Officer, also unveiled plans to introduce new-look signs along the seafront which will comply with new regulations.