CYCLISTS have been left baffled after a new cycle lane was built in the direct path of a Zebra crossing pole.

The new pathway, which has been built as part of the transformative Salisbury River Park Project, was first reported on Saturday, May 4.

Workers placed cones around the existing Zebra-striped pole but cyclists have fumed at the "poor" planning which led to the installation.

The ongoing River Park Project promised 650m of new and improved cycle routes, including this path near Ashley Road.

Salisbury Journal: Jimmy Walker doesn't want the issue left on the backburner.Jimmy Walker doesn't want the issue left on the backburner. (Image: Jimmy Walker.)

Dr Jimmy Walker, member of the Cycling Opportunities Group for Salisbury, said: "This is going to be a main route for cyclists  to get to Salisbury.

"A fantastic route, and you can't take this away from them, but this just seems to be very poor planning.

"Wiltshire Council would never leave a pole in the middle of the road so why is it acceptable to do so on the updated main trunk cycleway along the new Avon Valley cycleway?"

While Dr Walker hopes it isn't the finished product, he recalled a similar incident near Amesbury which took an electricity company months to move a bollard blocking a cycleway.

Salisbury Journal: Poles in the cycleway from the Stonehenge to Larkhill along the Parkway in March 2021.Poles in the cycleway from the Stonehenge to Larkhill along the Parkway in March 2021. (Image: Jimmy Walker)

"It isn't good for people who want to use that route feasibly. It just doesn't look good in the public eye," he added.

"They need to get cycling infrastructure correct and fit for purpose and that is certainly not fit for purpose."

KIER, the company contracted by the Environment Agency to complete the River Park Project, wrote in its May newsletter: "Work is still required at either end of the path including moving the lighting columns on Ashley Road.

"It is intended to have the riverside footpath from the railway bridge to the coach park open this month as well."

Councillor Tamara Reay, cabinet member for transport said: “We are committed to promoting more walking and cycling in our Business Plan and making travel by foot or bike easier, in order to improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion, and cut carbon emissions.

“As part of the Salisbury River Park project, further work is planned to widen and upgrade this crossing to allow cyclists to more easily cross Ashley Road and travel along the Avon Valley shared use path without being legally required to dismount at the Zebra crossing.

"The consultation for these works has now closed without any objections so we are now in the process of programming these works."