The shortest bike lane in the world!

Damn that was quick!

That, along with a lot of puzzlement, seems to sum up the sentiment about a 4 second bike ride along a bike lane in Great Britain. ;-D

ROAD safety is not an issue to be taken lightly – and that includes all three-and-a-half seconds of it on a new borough cycle lane.

Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians who frequent Hollins Road, Hollinwood, have all been left scratching their heads in wonder at the 10-metre-long track.

The dedicated cycle lane has been painted on to the street by Oldham Council, and there is even a sign pointing it out to motorists. However, it is barely long enough to turn a wheel.

Is this a case of government waste, or of officials looking out for the safety of cyclists on a dangerous road?

It seems there may be a legitimate reason for the lane:

Oldham Council cycling officer Paul Bruffell has defended the miniature ‘road to nowhere’.

He said Hollins Road is too narrow for a full cycle lane, but riders worry about being pushed off at ‘pinch points’ created by pedestrian islands.

“Concerns mainly relate to intimidation cyclists experience in terms of motorists squeezing past them at pinch points or motorists failing to notice the approaching pinch point and therefore having to break sharply having realised they cannot pass a cyclist.”

He said a short section of cycle lane encourages drivers to be more considerate and leave them room, reducing the risk of accidents.

The Oldham Advertiser: Safe Cycling -  for 10 metres! by James Ferguson