A once-familiar road in Gorleston has become a source of frustration and even danger for residents, transformed by a large-scale project intended to promote cycling.
The ambitious scheme, funded with public money, aimed to create dedicated cycle lanes along Middleton Road, complete with new zebra crossings and reflective markers. Instead, it’s sparked a wave of complaints about narrowed lanes, obstructed pathways, and increased risk for drivers and pedestrians alike.
“It is a colossal waste of money, and I can’t see the point in it at all,” declared Julie Hall, a local resident who still relies on her bicycle for her daily commute. Her sentiment echoes a growing chorus of discontent.
Sue Bowman, owner of the Rose Garden florist, described a dramatic shift in the road’s safety. “It has gone from a safe road to a very unsafe, dangerous road. It is awful. I don’t like driving on it now.” The newly constricted lanes, coupled with frequent parking violations, have created a hazardous environment.
The problem isn’t just about space; it’s about practicality. Delivery vans routinely block the cycle lanes, forcing cyclists onto the sidewalks. Waste collection trucks also contribute to the congestion, further complicating matters.
For Liz Spires, the changes added an unexpected layer of stress to an already difficult day. Arriving with her family to arrange funeral flowers for her late husband, she found parking nearly impossible. “We think it is bloody stupid. Now you are lucky if you can get two cars parked.”
Even dedicated cyclists are voicing concerns. Julie Hall explained the irony of being forced to ride on the pavement to avoid parked vehicles in the cycle lane itself. She cycles to work at the James Paget Hospital and regularly encounters obstructions.
Anthony Hollis questioned the value of the investment, suggesting a simpler solution would have been more effective. “I think it is a lot of money for what it is. If they had widened the pavement, they wouldn’t have had to do any of this.”
Local authorities acknowledge the initial challenges, stating that adjustments take time. They maintain the upgrades will ultimately provide safer cycle access and improved pedestrian crossings between South and North Gorleston, serving the local college and town amenities.
However, for many residents, the promise of a cycling utopia feels distant, overshadowed by the daily realities of a road that has become more problematic than it was before.
