Hundreds of people are tripping on this ‘optical illusion’ cycle lane

The kerb next to the cycle lane shown on the right appears flat to some locals but is actually slightly raised – Tom Wren, SWNS

A council has refused to pay compensation to people who tripped on an “optical illusion” cycle lane.

More than 100 people have been injured on the cycle lane on Keynsham high street, near Bristol, which has caught both riders and walkers out with a “hidden” kerb that locals say appears flat because it looks like a painted white line.

The lane was branded “the most dangerous in Britain” owing to the high number of injuries.

Since it was installed by the Liberal Democrat-run Bath and North East Somerset council in March 2022, more than 100 people have reported injuries.

A freedom of information request submitted by the Local Democracy Reporting Service has now shown 40 people have sought compensation from the council for their injuries.

Locals complain the kerb looks akin to a painted white line – SWNS

To date no compensation payments have been made, with 30 claims dismissed while 10 remain ongoing.

The council has since painted the lane red and changed a solid white line to a dotted line to create clearer markings along the path.

The council has now changed the solid white line to a dotted line – Tom Wren, SWNS

A road safety audit commissioned by the council found in December that “while the number of incidents has clearly reduced since opening, it remains an ongoing issue with a relatively consistent rate of incidents per month, rather than one which is reducing over time”.

Injuries have included fractures, lost teeth and significant bruising.

The lane initially had to be re-painted red in August 2022 after 46 injuries were reported on the stretch of road in the first six months.

Council ‘not very helpful’

Locals who want the lane scrapped have previously spoken about the accidents they suffered.

One person said: “I fell into the road last year, cutting my knee, twisting my ankle and ripping my jeans.

“The council were not very helpful or even asked if I was OK. They did suggest that I use the crossing next time.”

Another added: “I tripped but managed to get my balance. Don’t know whether it was the kerb or cycle lane.”

One said: “That’s just the ones that have been reported… it’s a daily occurrence, pretty much.

‘‘Have seen some pretty nasty falls having worked in one of the shops on the high street.”

Another person said they had been pushing a wheelchair when they nearly fell. “You just can’t judge the step especially if you are distracted. A really poor design,” they added.

Bath and North East Somerset council has been contacted for comment.

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