Signs to be installed after woman knocked to ground by cyclist

Signs to remind cyclists to be aware of pedestrians using shared paths are to be installed after a woman was knocked to the ground. 

The incident happened on the Portskewett Active Travel route and has been highlighted by the village’s county councillor Lisa Dymock. 

Monmouthshire County Council has said it intends putting up signs to remind people to “share with care” when using paths intended for walkers and cyclists but has ruled out adding lane markings. 

Conservative Cllr Dymock said: “A resident was knocked to the ground and the community have raised questions on the safety of shared spaces for walkers and cyclists and whether enough is being done to protect pedestrians and cyclists will measures such as improved signage or lane markings to provide designated walking and cycling zones be considered to prevent further accidents?” 

But Councillor Sara Burch, the Labour cabinet member responsible, said: “Whether or not to put markings on shared use paths in an attempt to separate pedestrians and cyclists I’m told is one of the most thorny issues in designing active travel routes. 

“Current design thinking, based on research, is it doesn’t reduce the potential for incidents but can increase conflicts and can encourage cyclists to assume a priority they don’t have. In terms of the hierarchy of road users it is for cyclists to keep out of the way of pedestrians.” 

Cllr Burch said groups like to walk together and often with young children riding small bikes. 

“What I’ve discussed with officers it the need to remind users of shared paths to share with care and I do agree we need signs to that effect on routes and that is something that is being worked on.” 

She added cyclists should be aware pedestrians may not see or hear them coming and said courtesy is part of the council’s bycycle safety training for young people. She also wished the resident who was knocked to the ground well and hoped she is making a full recovery.