Belbroughton residents want brakes put on fears over Velo riders - The Bromsgrove Standard

Belbroughton residents want brakes put on fears over Velo riders

Bromsgrove Editorial 8th Sep, 2017   0

A GROUP of Belbroughton residents living along the route of the upcoming Velo Birmingham cycle ride have slammed the county council for allegedly ignoring illegal issues surrounding the event.

Up to 20 residents expressed their concerns in a 40-page letter to the authority claiming multiple offences will be committed when the 15,000 riders pass through on September 24.

They claim the council has failed to consider the dangers of the narrow roads, road closures, density of the riders and the restricted access to local businesses, as well as any alternative routes for vehicles, pedestrians, horse riders and livestock.

The submitted document states approximately 46 miles of the 100-mile route is in Worcestershire and 26.5 miles has no footway on either side of the carriageway.




“The combination of huge packs of riders and narrow lanes has the potential to create massive pile-ups with serious injuries to scores of riders.

“The fact there have not yet been accidents involving multiple fatalities and serious injuries is simply good fortune to date.”


Belbroughton resident Gaye Hadley said: “This is a serious safety issue, the road is so narrow and there is going to be a lot of problems.

“The Velo website says the best viewing spots are Bewdley and Belbroughton but visitors just wont be able to access these areas.”

She claimed residents had received no warning and concerns had been ignored.

“It’s as if we have been trodden over and they don’t care.”

Worcestershire County Council’s Director of Economy and Infrastructure John Hobbs said the council had spoken to many people who lived or worked along the route regarding their concerns.

“Event organisers CSM have worked closely with us to address these issues and many of the issues have now been resolved.”

He added the formal complaint received would be considered through the council’s complaints process.

“The council has wide discretionary powers under the Road Traffic Regulation Act and is acting lawfully in making the order for the temporary road closures for the event.”

Mr Hobbs encouraged anyone with concerns to email [email protected]

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