SERIOUS concerns about the safety risk to cyclists using the one-metre wide cycle lanes on Brandlesholme Road, implemented two years ago, prompted me to write to the Department of Transport, who are responsible for cycling road safety standards nationally.

Their reply, which states quite categorically that this Government does not condone one-metre cycle lanes on road safety grounds, caused me further concern.

My investigations revealed that the legally defined safe standard for "with flow" cycle lanes in a 30mph zone is a minimum of 1.5 metres, as defined by the Department of Transport. Slightly narrower widths may be used on short lengths of road, such as at junctions.

The one-metre wide cycle lanes on Brandlesholme Road extend for 1.5 miles, which constitutes a significant risk factor from vehicle impacts. There is a legal requirement under the 1988 Road Transport Act and the Health and Safety Audits and Risk Assessments where a significant risk is identified to road users.

These points were discussed in a letter of complaint to the council, who are the highway authority. Their reply was that they do not accept the standards mentioned and have not carried out any road safety audits or risk assessments regarding the one-metre cycle lanes in question. So what standards are they complying with? They state that they have discharged their responsibility as the highway authority through discussions with residents and cycling forums.

A point to note is that cycle lanes are revenue generators from the parking fines issued to drivers who ignore the restrictions which, I understand, are due to come in soon. So is road safety being compromised to maximise profit by the use of one-metre cycle lanes in Bury?

A complaint has been sent to the Local Authority Ombudsman regarding what I see as the council's non-compliance on the legal standards for cycle lane dimensions and safety.

BRUCE BIRTWISTLE,

Brandlesholme Road, Bury.