Blue Boar Lane cycle path in Sprowston has 'serious flaw'

Housing developers Persimmon, Taylor Wimpey and Hopkins Homes undertook a long-awaited scheme to build the new track off Salhouse Road and Blue Boar Lane in December, with work coming to a close soon.

But as the project wraps up, a leading voice from the city's cycling community has aired some grievances. 

Concerns have been raised about the new cycle path along Blue Boar Lane (Image: Peter Silburn)

Peter Silburn, chairman of Norwich Cycling Campaign, said a 50-metre gap in the route could pose a "critical" safety issue. 

"The shared-use path stops just before the bend in the road by the entrance to the sports club," he said.

READ MORE: New 'one-stop' baby goods store expanding into city

"People are expected to cross the oncoming traffic and join the road heading north but this is close to a bend in the road where there is poor visibility due to the road being obscured by a hedge."

Peter Silburn (right) is chairman of the Norwich Cycling Campaign (Image: Newsquest)

According to Peter, the path should continue through where the hedgerow is to reduce its hazard and a light-controlled toucan crossing should be installed on the bend.

"It is unacceptable on such a busy road to expect people to take their lives into their hands at an uncontrolled crossing without even a centre island," he added.

READ MORE: Speed limit in Norfolk village unenforceable, council admits

"You wouldn't build a road like this so why is it acceptable to build a cycle path this way?"

This has led him and the Norwich Cycling Campaign to approach Norfolk County Council for a possible solution, to which it said it is "in the process of responding to their concerns".

Part of the new route runs through Harrison’s Wood (Image: Newsquest)

The new path was previously applauded by Sprowston Town Council chairman Bill Couzens, who said it would improve an area which has been "neglected" for some time.

To this, Peter said: "We share Councillor Couzens' enthusiasm for a network of safe cycle routes.

"The shared-use path along Salhouse Road in particular will complete a missing link in the cycle network, providing residents on all the new housing estates with a very useful and safe route into the city by following the Pink Pedalway."