A CYCLING group has called for Hertfordshire County Council to reassess its priorities after a traffic information sign was installed in the middle of a cycle path.

The Comet: A close-up of the sign, with a message mocked up by CTC member Chris PeckA close-up of the sign, with a message mocked up by CTC member Chris Peck (Image: Archant)

The sign in Hitchin Road, Stevenage, has been labelled “dangerous” by Stevenage and North Herts Cycling Touring Club secretary Jim Brown and follows complaints in the Comet this week from Stevenage cycle instructor Tina Walker about the placing of another sign in Broadhall Way.

A total of 12 signs, built to provide motorists with real-time traffic updates, were installed in the Stevenage area at a cost of £201,724.

The work was carried out in February by maintenance contractors Ringway on behalf of the county council, although the signs are yet to go live.

“This dangerous obstruction is hardly an encouragement to people to get on their bikes and perhaps shows the true priorities for the county council,” said Mr Brown.

“It’s dangerous and a waste of money – at a time when we are told that budgets are tight. The money would have been better spent fixing the many potholes that are dangerous for cyclists and motorists.

“It’s a tragedy that the county council is degrading the network in this and other ways. These obstructions should be removed as soon as possible and an effort made to improve the surface and signing of existing cycle routes and to identify new opportunities to promote – not obstruct – cycling.”

A spokesman for the county council said: “We are aware of issues with the position of the sign on Hitchin Road in Stevenage and are exploring options including cranking the support poles outwards so they are outside the pavement and cycle lane area.”