The amount of cyclists using the route has been revealed for the first time
Cyclists using the Fender Lane cycle route. (Image: Edward Lamb)
A controversial cycle lane labelled a ‘joke’ looks set to stay following a review of its effectiveness. However a number of changes will be made to try and address concerns.
The Fender Lane cycle route which connects Bidston with Leasowe and Moreton was introduced in 2022 to create a safe cycle route. However the scheme has become the focus of regular criticism with Conservatives repeatedly calling for the scheme to be scrapped.
A review was commissioned by Wirral Council taking into account policy, design guidance, road safety data, as well as public feedback. The results of this review have now been published ahead of a council environment and transport committee meeting next week.
The cycle lane is likely to stay but two changes could be made to improve things. One will be increasing the length of a right turn lane onto Reeds Lane as well as change some traffic signals at this junction.
The review found 63% of over 1,000 people felt the road should go back to its original layout with the cycle lane removed. Despite being a common concern raised by members of the public, all emergency services said it didn’t affect their operations and they could use the cycle lane if needed to bypass traffic.
48% of people also said they used Fender Lane less after the cycle route was put in. A common complaint about the cycle lane is that no cyclists are using it with 80% of those arguing for it to be removed pointing to this as a reason.
However data of traffic flows shows between 110 and 120 cyclists use it a day, around 40 to 50 more than before, though some cyclists were noticed using the pavement. Horse riders also said they found travelling on Fender Lane safer with the cycle lane in place.
Overall far more drivers use the road with 13,514 cars and trucks using it per day in 2021. This has decreased by more than 1,000 with 12,421 trips on average for 2025 so far and the review found capacity issues during peak times between 4.30pm and 5.30pm.
A report put before councillors said: “The council could decide to remove the current scheme and reinstate the highway layout as it was ‘pre-scheme.’ This option is not considered appropriate as removal could result in reputational issues for the Council in terms of its commitment to active travel which could result in future funding allocations against transport schemes being reduced.”
The report said removal would also be seen to impact future plans for 28 cycle lanes across the borough. This is called the core active travel network and would be introduced over two decades or more subject to funding.
If the council were to remove the cycle lane, it would cost an estimated £66,000. The route was installed at a cost of £204,500 though this was covered by grant funding.
The costs of the two options put to councillors will be “minimal” and covered by existing Liverpool City Region Combined Authority grant funding. Other options considered by the council’s review consultants could have cost between £210,000 and £1.6m.
The report said not making any changes “would not address the issues identified in the public and stakeholder comments,” put future cycle lane projects at risk due to public perception, and “may be seen also as not responding to the public feedback.”
The council said: “Public comments for all viewpoints have been considered, and it is noted that many of the comments regarding removal of the scheme are similar to those who wish to see the scheme remain with changes.”
A similar review was also carried out of a cycle on New Chester Road. Some changes have also been put forward there for the route which was introduced between August 2020 and October 2021.
Removing the scheme would cost around £40,000 but the changes put forward to councillors could cost £205,000. This would be covered by Liverpool City Region funding.
Feedback from 196 people showed 32% wanted it removed while 40% said no changes were needed and 27% wanted changes made. Around 200 to 300 cyclists use the cycle lane every day.