CONCERNS have been raised over new cycle lanes in Barrow after an ambulance was reportedly blocked from attending a collision which left a pedestrian critically ill.

Newly-implemented cycle lanes on Bridge Road and Michaelson Road are facing scrutiny after concerns motorists were unable to allow an ambulance to progress due to the positioning of the cycle routes.

A 61-year-old pedestrian was left in a critical condition after he was hit by a Ford Ka in North Road on Monday afternoon.

Emergency services rushed to the collision scene shortly after 4.30pm in the vicinity of Brewers Fayre and the man was taken to hospital.

However, dozens of residents have reportedly said the ambulance struggled to pass through motorists on Monday due to the positioning of the cycle lanes, which opened earlier this year.

READ MORE: Efforts to resolve traffic issues caused by building of new cycle paths in Barrow

The collision led to renewed calls for the cycle lanes to be repositioned or removed completely, according to an online petition which has been signed by more than 1,300 people.  

In the wake of growing public concern, Barrow MP, Simon Fell, penned a letter to the council’s executive director for economy and infrastructure, Angela Jones, about the issue.

He said: “I wrote to the council earlier asking for an urgent review and for them to hold a public meeting. What happened on Monday was terrible - I’m all for cycling routes, but they need to be well implemented and delivered and have community consent. Cumbria County Council need to demonstrate that they are learning lessons and making appropriate changes to benefit all road users, and make sure that emergency vehicle access is not impeded.”

Mr Fell said he, alongside members of the Brilliant Barrow Board, and the Local Committee of Barrow Councillors, have all expressed concerns over this route and were reassured that improvements were to be made.

READ MORE: 61-year-old pedestrian critically ill after collision in Barrow

He said: “[We] were reassured that improvements were to be made to traffic light sequencing and measurement to improve vehicle flow, and elsewhere on the route to enable safe access for emergency vehicles – specifically that the ‘wands and orcas’ were to be placed strategically to allow motorists to move into the space between them to allow emergency vehicle access.

“Unfortunately, the road traffic accident on Monday appears to have highlighted that exactly the opposite is the case - emergency service vehicles were blocked, traffic flow stopped, and some residents were forced to wait over 90 minutes to cross to Walney.

“As you will be well-aware, tensions are rising between cyclists and motorists on this route. Indeed, many are now questioning any expansion of cycling and walking infrastructure going ahead in Barrow at all. As we have discussed, there are very good reasons to increase cycling provision in Barrow.

“I am deeply concerned that we are now in a position where far from being embraced by the community, this scheme is causing harm, discouraging active travel, and inconveniencing local residents, businesses, and emergency services.

“I will always champion active travel and seek funding from government for schemes to be delivered in the communities that I am fortunate to represent, but these must be safe, have community consent, and deliver for all road users.”

READ MORE: First of their kind cycle paths to be built in Barrow

Mr Fell has called for an urgent review and public meeting to be held to reassure and engage residents, cyclists and other road users.

A spokeswoman for Cumbria County Council said they will now be making a number of changes and improvements in light of the concerns.

She said: “We thank everyone for their feedback on the cycle lanes on Bridge Road and Michaelson Road. The new cycle lanes were implemented following strong consultation which showed support for the scheme, with the aim to encourage more people to use cycling or walking for short journeys.

“Barrow Local Committee already agreed to remove the bollards from Bridge Road, to address the concerns and the council will now be making a number of changes and improvements. Working with our contractor, we will be painting new white lines on the footway next to Michaelson Road, redesigning the layout on Bridge Road to include two lanes for vehicles and also improving drainage of standing water on the cycle paths. This work will be starting late November and is planned to be completed before Christmas.

“We apologise for any disruption caused. The project was implemented with the best of intentions following consultation and we will continue to keep this under review and listen to feedback.” 

Police are appealing for any information about Monday’s accident. Report it to the police online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit quoting incident number 156 of November 14 2022, call 101 or  contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on the number 0800 555 111.