The cycle lane that takes up most of a road

7:30AM BST 21 Apr 2010

The cycle lane, which appears only on one side of the road, comes to an abrupt stop before the top of the hill and disappears entirely Photo: BNPS

The area reserved for pedal-powered transport measures 6.5ft (2m) wide, leaving just 4.5ft (1.4m) for cars, lorries and buses to squeeze through.

Stretching up a steep hill in Poole, Dorset, the road markings have bemused motorists, who struggle to fit their cars in the space provided.

The cycle lane, which appears only on one side of the road, comes to an abrupt stop before the top of the hill and disappears entirely.It has also raised safety concerns with the AA, which is worried it will confuse conscientious drivers and force them into the opposite carriageway.

Jonathan Mears, a 39-year-old architect who lives nearby, said: "It's utterly ridiculous. The cycle lane is wide enough to stage the Tour de France.

"It's astounding that much of the road has been designated for just a few cyclists, when it's relatively narrow anyway.

"They've given over more room to the cycle lane than they have to the road - there isn't even enough room for an average sized car to drive in the space designated.

"I haven't seen anyone cycling up there yet, but I hope they appreciate it when they do."

Brian Kerry, another local resident, said: "It's ludicrous. When I first saw it, it didn't occur to me it was a cycle lane because it's just too wide.

"It just seems stupid. A few people cycle up there but most of the cyclists dismount and walk up the pavement."

But the lane has been defended by Poole Borough Council, which said the lines are for guidance only and drivers were permitted to cross them.

Steve Dean, principal engineer, said: "The cycle lane is designed to encourage motorists to give more room to cyclists as they tackle the steepest section of Constitution Hill.

"Vehicles travelling up Constitution Hill are able to straddle the cycle lane as the markings are advisory and as such are there primarily to act as a reminder to motorists to give space to cyclists.

"The lane has been marked in accordance with national guidance but further signs and cycle logos are scheduled to be added and we hope this will make the situation clearer for all road users.

"We are currently monitoring the use of the lane and most drivers seem to be using it appropriately."

But Paul Watters, a spokesman for the AA, raised safety fears over it.

He said: "It seems very confusing and unusual.

"I suspect it has been put there because of the danger of wobbling cyclists or to allow a faster cyclist to overtake a slower one without going into traffic.

"But the average width of a car is around 6ft at least.

"Most drivers are sensible and would be concerned about crossing the line. They may be worried about breaking the law, even though they are allowed to cross it.

"It seems there is an increased risk that to avoid straddling the lane, cars will be more inclined to cross the centre line and will be in the path of oncoming cars.

"It does not seem particularly right that drivers should permanently have to abuse the lane to stay on the right side of the road."