Dorset News
Lyme Regis: Campaign to install bike racks in resort
10:30am Saturday 28th January 2012
PART of Lyme’s Olympic legacy could include bicycle racks around the town.
Keen cyclist Liz Davis made a plea to the town council to support the idea, saying it would not only be a boost to the local economy but also alleviate traffic congestion and help people get fit.
She said: “We would be really grateful if the town council would consider putting in cycle racks so we can lock up our bicycles securely and safely and in such a way that they don’t make the town look ugly.
“An increasing number of people are cycling into the town and at present there is nowhere to leave bicycles that is safe, secure, where they are not being a nuisance or spoiling the view.
“If racks were provided it could encourage people to use bicycles rather than cars, reducing traffic congestion, particularly in the summer and boost the local economy as shops and businesses would be more accessible and it would free up spaces in car parks for less mobile people or others who need them.”
Liz, of Colway Lane, proposed sites in the Cobb area, at the top of Broad Street, and in the Cobb Gate area at the bottom of Broad Street.
She added: “We feel this is a matter of some urgency and which has become more apparent with the closure of Church Street.
“It is not going to be magic but a lot of people are not using bikes now who would do if there was somewhere safe to lock them up.
“I don’t think it will be very expensive and probably just six bicycle racks at each location would be a great start.”
She made a plea for the work to be done before Easter.
Lyme town councillors were keen to support her idea but warned that they did not own all the areas proposed for the racks.
Coun Lorna Jenkin suggested contacting the Dorset Cycle Network to help with the campaign.
She suggested railings along walls would be a way of securing bikes.
Coun Chris Clipson said that there was definitely an increasing need but warned it was unlikely to be done by the summer, given the town council did not own all the sites.
Coun Rikey Austin said it was possible the Olympics could work in the town’s favour.
She said: “The fact that there is money out there to encourage sport, maybe something as cheap and simple as this could be part of our Olympic legacy. This timing works for us for the summer.”
Councillors agreed to approach the cycle network for support, talk to the district council and keep it on the agenda.