Plans for a new cycle route in Liverpool have sparked backlash from residents and local councillors over fears it could block drivers from parking outside their homes.
The proposed 8km “active travel” route by Liverpool City Council would link the city centre with Childwall, running along key roads including Fir Lane and Woolton Road.
Last year, more than three-quarters of consultation respondents backed the plans, while around 69 per cent said they would use the route if it went ahead.
However, not everyone has been convinced by the new route, with some locals warning that the project will increase parking problems and congestion.
Paul Jones, who lives near the proposed route, claimed the plans had not been considered, nor the impact on residents.
He told road.cc: “I’m five doors down from the junction, and we already get cars blocking my drive, and they’re going to decrease parking spaces.
“It feels like they haven’t done their due diligence. I think it will be more prone to accidents; it doesn’t add to anything. It doesn’t add up as a strategy.”
Other residents raised similar concerns, warning the changes could harm local businesses and make daily life more difficult.
Councillors warned the new route would prevent drivers from parking outside houses
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LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL/GETTY
Tony Hollis, who has lived in the area for 15 years, said he was in favour of improving the area, but had concerns about the proposals.
“I don’t think they are going to work on reducing traffic, and there are other opportunities they could take. I’d like to think as residents we’d have more say on this rather than it being imposed on us,” he added.
Councillor Pat Moloney warned that the proposals are causing even more problems, particularly around Childwall Priory Road, due to the roadway being too narrow.
The route would connect the city centre with Childwall
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LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL
Despite concerns, the plans have also attracted strong support, particularly from cycling campaigners and some residents.
A Liverpool bike shop, Picton Cycles, said the scheme could help cut traffic and encourage more people to get on their bikes, describing it as a “great idea”.
Another resident, Jake Darby, noted that the cycle lanes would encourage people to leave their cars at home, helping to reduce traffic for other motorists.
Under the plans, a new 8km cycle route would be created along key routes
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PAThe council insisted that feedback was being considered and that changes could still be made during the design process.
Councillor Dan Barrington said: “The proposed scheme aims to make our roads safer and easier to use for people walking, wheeling and cycling.”
“Active travel brings real health benefits, and we want to give everyone more choice in how they move around the city.”
The council stated that construction on the new cycle route is expected to begin in phases from late 2027 or early 2028.