WORK will take place on a famous “optical illusion” street after dozens of people said they were injured, but the changes have nothing to do with the “hidden” curb.
A cycle lane has been labeled “dangerous” and is said to have injured at least 59 people in Keynsham High Street near Bristol.
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Pensioner Dave Dawson was seen collapsing on the road in AprilCredit: BPM
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The work will take place on the street later this month, but it is not related to the ‘hidden’ sidewalk Credit: BPM
This is attributed to the sidewalk and white painted lines that look similar and cause an “optical illusion” causing people to miss their steps.
We have learned that from June 5 to 24, rehabilitation works will be carried out in the repair of paving slabs and the replacement of damaged bollards and bicycle stops on the main street.
However, the councilor stressed that the works are not related to the problems reported with the bike lanes.
Councilor Paul Roper said: “Work to repair the broken flagstones and replace the bike racks and bollards has been planned for some time.
“We are aware of the trip and fall concerns associated with the bikeway, so it is understandable that people wonder what happens when the contractors arrive.
“I would like to take this opportunity to reassure residents that we take concerns very seriously, which is why we have already acted by introducing a red painted end of bike lane which has significantly reduced the number of reported incidents.
“Phase 4 of the road safety review will follow the repair work.
“In addition to the review, the council will conduct a design review over the summer to assess whether additional improvements can be made to further reduce trips and falls.
“We recognize that the pedestrian use within the main street has changed as a result of a significant reduction in the number of cars passing through it.
“If action is required, we will consider the options.
“The district councilors representing the High Street are regularly informed about this.
“We have also contacted merchants to let them know about the repair work and apologize for any disruption to businesses and residents during the work.”
The planned repairs will mean the suspension of parking spaces on the main road while the works are carried out.
Additional street furniture will also be installed to protect the sidewalk from being hit by vehicles in the future.
Access to businesses will be maintained and the sidewalk will remain open.
The loading docks and the bus stop will remain in operation.
The cycle path was laid by the Bath and North East Somerset Liberal Democrat Council last March and had to be repainted red in August 2022 after 46 injuries were reported in just six months.
Jacob Rees-Mogg, a Conservative MP for North East Somerset, said in a tweet in April: “It should go back to being a two-way street. This experiment failed.”
In April of this year, Mary Richmond, 71, was left furious after, she says, tripping over a “small” curb on Main Street and breaking her shoulder.
Later that month, Dave Dawson, 76, was left bloody and bruised after tripping on an “optical illusion” bike path.
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The councilor emphasized that the works are not related to the problems reported with the bike pathsCredit: BPM
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education