COUNCILLORS have called for a cycle lane on the Glasslyn Road in Bandon to be opened to vehicular traffic as they claimed there are hardly any cyclists using it, writes Kieran O’Mahony.

The issue was raised by Cllr John Foley (FG) at a meeting of Bandon Kinsale Municipal District, who said that motorists driving towards the town centre are afraid to go into the cycle lane in order to turn left into town.

He said some motorists find themselves sitting in the centre lane which on occasions has traffic backed out to the roundabout at the Kevin O’Leary garage.

‘There is no traffic going down the left lane and there are very rarely cyclists on the road. It’s marked as a bicycle lane but could we get it changed to include cars?’ he asked.

‘I was on the road recently and didn’t see any cyclists on the lane and people are just afraid to go into it.’

He added that it also emphasises the importance of finishing the bypass through the town.

Supporting the call Cllr John Collins (Ind Ire) said he uses that road several times a day and has also yet to see a cyclist using the left lane on the road.

Bandon Kinsale Municipal District manager Padraig Barrett said the only solution here is to get people out of cars.

‘If you’re in traffic complaining about traffic you’re part of the problem,’ he said.

Executive engineer John Duggan said the cycle lane finishes east of the former post office at St Finbarr’s Place and the lane offers a certain degree of protection along the road.

Senior executive engineer Richard Cahill said they should wait until the full scheme in completed which will include a raised crossing.