Cycle track present an ‘optical illusion’

New Active Travel measures and surfacing on the R-212 Cathedral Road is causing confusion among some motorists who believe the route has been narrowed as a result.

Raised cycle tracks were added, replacing what was already there, along with resurfacing.

However, at the January meeting of Cavan-Belturbet Municipal District, Fianna Fáil's Patricia Walsh revealed how she had been contacted by a number of people who highlighted concerns that the works have made the road “too narrow for traffic”.

Fine Gael's Madeleine Argue said she too had received calls, as did Independent Brendan Fay.

Senior Area Engineer Paul Mulligan informed all councillors that there was an equitable distribution of the road, the same as before, only the cycle track had been lifted above road level.

“It looks narrower, but it's the same width,” accepted Cllr Walsh.

“People probably drove on the cycle lane,” suggested Director of Services for the area, Brendan Jennings. “That's not right either.”

Cllr Fay described it as an “optical illusion”, but ultimately welcomed the new safety solutions, mentioning its location adjacent to a third level college and playground area.