Councillor Demands Immediate Safety Upgrades for Perilous Cycle Track

A Green Party councillor is pressing for immediate safety improvements on the cycle route connecting Lancaster and Morecambe. She contends that the path's safety is declining, with inadequate line markings and a rise in risky electric bike usage creating a hazardous environment. The councillor emphasizes the route's vital role for daily commuters, not merely leisure cyclists, and calls for dedicated funding from the county council to address these critical issues.

Councillor Gina Dowding Calls for Immediate Action on "Terrifying" Cycle Track Between Lancaster and Morecambe

On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, County Councillor Gina Dowding, representing Lancaster Central for the Green Party, voiced her dismay over the neglect of the cycle track linking Lancaster and Morecambe. Speaking to Beyond Radio, Councillor Dowding highlighted that the off-road route, crucial for both cyclists and pedestrians, has seen a continuous decline in safety, which she described as "terrifying."

For more than a year, Dowding has been campaigning for basic maintenance, specifically the refreshment of the white lines and cycle symbols on the path. She expressed her astonishment that the County Highways department does not consider this a priority, despite many existing markings being barely visible. The councillor noted that the lack of clear demarcation exacerbates safety concerns, particularly with an increase in anti-social behavior and electric bikes operating at excessive speeds. While police are conducting operations to curb such behavior, visible line markings are essential to guide users and prevent collisions.

Councillor Dowding stressed that this is not a "luxury cycle leisure route" but a vital artery for residents accessing essential services, including shops, primary schools, leisure centers, and workplaces in the industrial estate. She urged the county council, led by Reform UK, to allocate priority funding for these safety upgrades, contrasting it with the council's recent initiative to promote "civic pride in public spaces."

In response, County Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Lancashire County Council, assured Beyond Radio that the route markings would be refreshed as part of a forthcoming work program. Goldsworthy acknowledged the importance of the route for local residents and affirmed the council's commitment to visible improvements in public spaces like the Greenway, aligning with their Civic Pride initiative.

Ensuring Safety for All: A Call for Proactive Infrastructure Maintenance

This situation highlights a recurring challenge in urban planning: balancing recreational amenities with essential infrastructure. Councillor Dowding's impassioned plea underscores the critical need for local authorities to prioritize regular maintenance of public pathways, especially those integral to daily commuting. The argument that a cycle route is not a "luxury" but a necessity for accessing fundamental services resonates deeply, urging us to reconsider how we allocate resources and perceive the utility of such spaces. Beyond the immediate safety concerns, poorly maintained infrastructure can discourage active transportation, impacting public health and environmental goals. This incident serves as a vital reminder that civic pride must extend beyond mere pronouncements to tangible, consistent action that ensures the well-being and functionality of community assets for all users.