More than 1,900 people have so far signed a petition to get a road featuring two new ‘mini-roundabouts’ at Stanningley Bottom made safer.
As revealed by The Dispatch in August, two mini-roundabouts were installed as part of a package of improvement works connected to the CityConnect cycle superhighway. The Leeds to Bradford stretch opened in June.
Phil Townend, who runs the Philip Nicholas Salon on Bradford Road, Stanningley, claims they are ‘dangerous’ and has launched an online petition to get them changed.
Mr Townend said he was surprised by the reception to his online petition:
“The last time I checked it had 600 or so names on, but when I looked the other night I was surprised to see it had gained so many.
“It’s such a big talking point locally. When people come into the shop normally they’d talk about their holiday or football, but all people want to talk about is the new road markings and the near misses.”
Mr Townend’s campaign also received the backing of Julian Connor, owner of nearby Snack Attack, who said he feared a car could come through the front window of his shop because of the measures. ‘People forget how to use roundabouts,’ he said.
Local councillor Kevin Ritchie (Lab, Bramley and Stanningley) expressed sympathy with Mr Townend. He said he had contacted the head of highways and executive councillor Richard Lewis (Lab, Pudsey) about the issues and urged them to analyse a recent audit and video taken in the area. He added:
“Hopefully we can get some measures installed which will improve the awareness of the mini-roundabouts.”
In May, Cycle Superhighway bosses attempted to allay residents’ and motorists’ fears over the new road layout at Stanningley Bottom.
A spokeswoman said at the time:
“The safety of the scheme has undergone a safety audit from an independent team and, following completion, a further audit will take place.
“Recommendations will be considered for implementation and further safety audits will be undertaken, 12 and 24 months post-completion – which will review any available accident data.”
The spokesperson said space is limited through Stanningley Bottom and the changes made were intended to provide a better balance between the needs of people travelling through the area, the needs of local businesses and the well-being of local people.
The cycle superhighway aims to encourage more people to take up cycling, become more active and healthier, as well as reduce pollution and congestion on roads.
The online petition can be viewed and signed here.