Proposed Birchington to Margate Cycle Route by KCC

We have been informed of a proposal from Kent County Council for a new Cycle Route from Birchington to Margate.  As we have a number of cyclist here at Access Lock & Key Service, we are all in favour of new and exciting cycle routes and ways to improve our community and protect pedestrians and cyclist.  However, this scheme has left us scratching our head some what, as there is a existing, well used and perfectly good cycle route just a stone throw away from the proposed route.  The Viking Trail was opened in 2001 following investment of £500,000 from Kent County Council and Thanet District Council and forms a 32 mile route around the coast of Thanet.  Over 50% of the viking trail is off road including the majority of the route from Birchington to Margate.  With this in mind we really don't understand the need for another cycle route, at vast expense, on a very similar route.
The proposals from KCC include the reduction of many on street parking slots along the route and the closure of a number of roads, that would have a negitive impact on local residents and shoppers. 

  • Closure of Epple Road to through traffic
  • Relocation of Epple Road Bus stop
  • Reduction of 40mph to 30mph speed limit eastbound
  • Removal of 1 traffic lane (south side of the road) from King Ethelbert School to Minster Road junction
  • Existing KCC road improvement scheme
  • Carriageway returns to 2 traffic lanes (north side of the road)
  • Kerbside lane changes to left turn only
  • Removal of  1 traffic lane (north side of road) from this point eastwards
  • Return carriageway to 2 traffic lanes
  • Kerbside lane changes to left turn only Wetgate lights
  • Removal of 1 traffic lane (south side of the road)
  • Reduction of 40mph to 30mph speed limit west bound
  • 2 out of 2 parking bays removed outside Hussar
  • Removal of left turn lane
  • Removal of dedicated space for rightturning traffic
  • Additional signage to direct cyclists
  • Removal of left turn lane
  • Loading bay removed outside of Tesco Express
  • 3 out of 3 parking bays removed
  • 4 out of 4 parking bays removed
  • One-way traffic system (southbound) Westbrook Road
  • Loss of 12 parking bays on east side of Westbrook Road

 

For more information and to sumbit your comments, please see here - https://letstalk.kent.gov.uk/thanet-birchington-to-margate