The barely-visible bike path is set to be replaced with black tarmac and potentially red surfacing in future(Image: Alex Seabrook)

A contentious decision by Bristol City Council to revamp a hard-to-see cycle route in the city centre has stirred a debate among Bristol Live readers, with opinions varying but many expressing scepticism.

A bike lane that blends into its surroundings at The Centre will soon be resurfaced in black tarmac and possibly later in red, following concerns that its current iteration — situated where the fountains once stood — is too similar in colour to the pedestrian walkway.

Many believe that this makes it difficult for those on foot to recognise when they are encroaching on cyclist territory. The issue has drawn criticism from walking advocates who argue that the indistinct demarcation leads to confrontations and risks public safety.

One commenter Table For Two, says: “Really good idea. It’s a well-placed path, but it’s hopeless expecting pedestrians to notice the tiny markings.”

Misssunshine56 agrees: “I agree it needs doing, but what a waste of money yet again by the council. The stone paving, cobble stone road and water fountains.”

Paulb adds: “Thanks yet again to Bristol City Council for wasting my council tax.”

Webbo3 writes: “Red means go and don’t stop to most cyclists.”

Dbanderson comments: “Why not wait to see if the red pavements go ahead and then do this one last. Why do black and then red. Man alive.”

Sliceoflife simply says: “Great. All for it.” While Kingswoodbiffo states: “Don’t bother, a high number of cyclists don’t take notice of any signs, signals or specific road markings.”

Notaduck0 replies: “Or, scrap it and let pavements be used by pedestrians, as before. Cyclists take no notice of it either way.”

Splondings asks: “Have you ever tried to cycle on it? It’s a nightmare. Last time I checked there were pavements for pedestrians.”

Jon82bs writes: “How lovely to have a blank cheque book and just up the council tax to make people pay for it.”

Grrodriguezp remarks: “Finally! A barely visible cycle path is almost as good as nothing, especially in such a central location with so much traffic. Clearly marking lanes for both cyclists and pedestrians will make the area safer for everyone.”

DoesntBodeWell says: “Bicycles belong on the roads with other dangerous wheeled traffic. Keep our elderly safe; they must walk because they can no longer drive to their surgery.”

Kaylon64 says: “People who cycle also pay tax, you know. The area is being revamped anyway. For future reference, BCC should just employ a Dutch cycle path designer. They know what they’re doing.”

6470 questions: “Why are the council tarmac the bike lane first and then cover it with red why not do the two jobs in one go? If the council are so confident cyclists are going to use these cycle lanes then why not have a web site where people can send pictures of the cyclist not using the cycle lanes or using the cycle lane.”

Bristol_Girl writes: “Guaranteed, the council will use on their useless contractors to carry this work out, then two weeks later it’ll be dug up again, for some other sort of work as the departments are incapable of talking to one another. Just like constitution hill, closed for two days, resurfaced and now they’re about to dig it up. Cracking.”

Do you think the revamp of this cycle path is needed or just a waste of time and money? Join in the conversation HERE or in the comments below.