CHANGES to cycle routes as part of a major road improvement scheme have been criticised by campaigners.

As part of improvements to Lexden Road in Colchester, highways bosses have made changes to the area around the back of streets, including pathways linking Maldon Road, Creffield Road and other neighbouring streets.

Some of the changes have included replacing bollards with large gates but campaigners say it means cyclists have more difficulty passing through than before.

Paul Avison, vice chairman of Colchester Cycling Campaign, said some of the adaptations have made things more difficult for cyclist and he fears an accident may be imminent.

Mr Avison said: “I have heard this was being done to help novice cyclists and those who were not confident of going down Lexden Road.

“As a community, we are not entirely sure who asked for it and what they have been provided is sub-standard and we are not sure it meets the needs of the novice cyclist.

“Along the way there are lots of places where you are not quite sure if you are on a shared path or a cycle route and they have not had the sense to drop all of the kerbs.

“Another problem is if you cycle along Lexden Road at each junction you come across you are in command of the road – on the other route you have to stop and start, it is a bit of a rat run and cars are often travelling quite quickly.

“There is also the issue of it being a shared path between cyclists and pedestrians.

“It is impossible to designate whether you are on a pedestrian, cyclists or shared route unless you are right beside the sign.

“The net result of this is people do not know which bits you can cycle on and which parts you cannot.

“There is going to be an accident at some stage.”

Mr Avison said he believed shared routes would inevitably cause problems between cyclists and pedestrians.

He said: “You see it more and more with shared pathways and some cyclists start to think it is open season with where they can cycle because of the mixed messages.

“As much as you get irresponsible driver you also get irresponsible cyclists.”

A spokesman for Essex Highways said they would be monitoring certain areas of the pathway.

He said: “Letters were sent to residents giving advance notice of the proposed works as well as Internet and social media updates.

“Guardrails were installed for the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.

“The path between Park Road and Queens Road is footpath only. however. our engineer will check the clearance for all users and if necessary arrange adjustments.”