Business owners using Belfast’s only mandatory bin lane are calling for action to combat problem cyclists.
The bin lane on Upper Arthur Street is used every day by many commercial bins from retailers and pubs. But bin owners say the level of illegal cycling, by people mistaking it for a mandatory cycle lane, is getting out of hand.
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One local business owner, who wished to remain anonymous, said “It’s just getting ridiculous, every day we have people flagrantly cycling up the bin lane, with no regard for the safety of our bins.”
The local council have promised to get tough. A spokesperson said “These cyclists need to wise the bap and respect the bin lane rules. What message is it sending out to shoppers, tourists and binmen if these bins can’t be left in peace in the middle of the street, 24/7?
“We’ve had almost three reports of bins very nearly being hit by cyclists in the last month. A lot of money has been spent on this bin lane, and it’s a stain on the city that these yobbo cyclists are ruining it for everyone.”
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Business owners are so frightened of cyclist collisions, and potential scrapes and minor dents, that some bins are being moved to the relative safety of the pavement. The anonymous business owner said “Blocking the pavement for pedestrians, including vision-impaired and restricted-mobility users, is a small price to pay for bin safety. Blame the friggin’ cyclists.”
During 20 minutes spent interviewing locals, I counted five cyclists speeding down the bin lane. The council are promising harsh new measures such as clamping and towing errant cyclists. “We’re proud of the increase in bin usage of this lane over the last year – just go down any day and you’ll see bins there all day long. The sooner we get cyclists off the streets of Belfast the better.”
NEXT WEEK: Amelia Street – cyclists must understand it’s a taxi lane