A cyclist has caused outrage after forcing cars to veer around him on a busy-A road – failing to use the new £150million bike lane lying completely empty next to him.

Infuriating video footage, filmed by a car passenger, shows a row of cars slow down to a crawl behind the cyclist as he rides on the A347 Whitelegg Way in Bournemouth, Dorset.

The clip shows how one car has to turn into the other lane in order to pass the cyclist who uses the road, despite the fact that there is a large cycle lane right next to it.

Since its opening last month, the cycle lane has been controversial. Many complain that there is not enough room for emergency vehicles.

After seeing the cyclist take up residence on the new narrowed road, motorists expressed frustration.

Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council spokesperson speculated that the reason the cyclist didn’t use the lane was because of roadwork barriers placed over Christmas. The barriers were removed, they said. 

Infuriating video footage, filmed by a car passenger, shows a row of cars slow down to a crawl behind the cyclist as he rides on the A347 in Bournemouth, Dorset

A car passenger captured infuriating footage of a line of cars moving behind the cyclist while he rode on the A347 at Bournemouth (Dorset).

The new cycle lane is part of a £150million ‘Transforming Cities’ scheme to create sustainable travel links across south east Dorset with others built in nearby Wimborne and Merley.

The Highway Code rules 63 states that while cycling lanes are not mandatory, they may make bicyclists’ trips safer.

According to the article, ‘Useful cycle lanes are not mandatory. It will depend on your skill level and previous experience. But they can help make your journey more safe.

A female passenger recorded the footage and said that she rarely sees the cycle path being used. She criticized it for not saving money. 

She wished not to be identified. It’s infuriating.

“The road is too narrow for emergency vehicles to pass, and this cyclist ignores the designated lane.”

‘There were approximately four to five vehicles in front of my car and they were trying to avoid me as well.

“Although some people believe that certain parts of the cycle path are not yet complete, it is definitely safe and open to being used.

In the clip, one car is forced to veer into the opposite lane to overtake the cyclist, who is taking up the road despite a wide cycle lane lying directly next to him

One car has to turn into the opposite lane and overtake the cyclist in the clip. This happens despite the existence of a broad cycle lane directly beside him.

‘My frustration is with local council for spending money on these cycle lanes while the entire infrastructure of the city needs to be addressed urgently.

“The entire of Bournemouth has been converted to cycle lanes, and there is no place for cars. Bicyclists are rare in this bike lane.

“It is hard enough for emergency services without roads like these. The public is not heard by the council. 

Oman Khan, commenting on the social media footage, said that he had spent money, labor, and caused road disruption in order to make one (cycle lane). But he didn’t use it.

One person called the lane a “waste of money and time” while others called it ridiculous that no one was using the new lane.

Ross Hodder, a cyclist, responded by saying that cycle lanes can be used for any reason. Don’t moan about everyone.

BCP Council spokesmen said that they will review the temporary signage and make sure cyclists are aware of its operation. No permanent signage is yet to be installed.

MailOnline received the following explanation from them: “We are unsure why this cyclist choose to travel on the road instead of using the Whitelegg Way cycleway.” 

In some cases, road work barriers broke down during Christmas and blocked sections of the bikeway. 

Whitelegg Way’s sustainable travel enhancements are currently under construction. Permanent cycle route signage is not yet installed. 

The cycle lane is open to cyclists, but they may not realize it. The temporary signs will be reviewed to confirm that they are operational.

Photographs shared last month showed the mayhem caused by the new road layout, with cars mounting concrete barriers in a bid to move out of the way of emergency services

Last month’s photos showed how cars were attempting to block emergency vehicles from moving through the road.

The female passenger who recorded the footage said she 'hardly ever' sees the cycle lane being used, slamming it as a waste of money

According to the female passenger recording the footage, she doesn’t see the cycle lane in use and considers it wasteful.

The new cycle lane (pictured in use) is part of a £150m 'Transforming Cities' scheme to create sustainable travel links across south east Dorset with others built in Wimborne and Merley

The new cycle lane (pictured in use) is part of a £150m ‘Transforming Cities’ scheme to create sustainable travel links across south east Dorset with others built in Wimborne and Merley

Safety on busy roads is a major concern for cyclists. There is evidence that once bike infrastructure has been built, people will start to use it. 

A study has shown that bicycle use in urban areas with bike infrastructure increased by 48 percent compared to cities without it.

“Whilst it is not a legal requirement that people use bicycle lanes, these are separate from traffic. It makes cycling safer than riding in the same lane with traffic. 

“We urge people to cycle wherever they can and comply with the Highway Code rules. After the construction works have been completed along the route, we’ll be launching campaigns to promote road use and good manners on the cycle lanes.

A spokesperson from Transforming Cities stated that the cycle lane is part of 13km long walking, biking, and public transportation route.

They continued: ‘The Transforming Cities Fund investment in infrastructure on Whitelegg Way should not be viewed in isolation – it is the first section of a 13km walking, cycling and public transport route that will link north Poole with Christchurch, providing residents with more choice on how to travel to work, education and local amenities, as well as easing road congestion and improving air quality. 

“Once the whole route has been constructed, the Whitelegg Way Section will fully realize its benefits.”

A spokesperson for the BCP council stated that it was wide enough to allow emergency vehicles to safely pass. 

“The Whitelegg Way carriageway is between 6 and 6 meters wide. This conforms to the current National Standards set forth by Department for Transport.” 

It is safe to use by all vehicles including emergency vehicles. The vehicle has been subject to a series of road safety audits and continues to do so. 

The cycle lane has caused controversy since it opened last month, with many complaining that the new width of the road leaves no room for emergency vehicles to pass

Since its opening last month, the cycle lane has been controversial. Many complain that there is not enough room for emergency vehicles.

“The Transforming Cities Fund team is working with emergency vehicle operators. They haven’t received objections to Whitelegg Way.

‘We recommend drivers follow the Highway Code when they encounter emergency vehicles using flashing lights Road users requiring extra care – Other vehicles (219 to 225) – THE HIGHWAY CODE (highwaycodeuk.co.uk).’ 

Photos shared over the last month revealed the chaos caused by the new road layout. In an effort to avoid emergency service calls, cars erected concrete barriers. 

To make way for cycle lanes, the A347 Whitelegg Way has been narrowed. It is located on a major route from Bournemouth Hospital.

These lanes cause ambulances to navigate through the traffic jams at rush hour. Additionally, there is visible tread marks on concrete kerbs from which drivers were required to mount them.

One local firefighter argued that the area was too small for fire engines and broke ranks in November.

An unnamed officer stated: “Usually cars can parte, even though it means bumping up against the kerb. They can’t because the kerbs have grown so large.

Stephen Bartlett is a local independent councillor who stated that the “new cycle lanes” are an excellent example of how taxpayers can waste billions of dollars.

We now have issues that are completely self-inflicted.

‘I was worried that the road would become too narrow when the cycle lanes are installed. I raised these concerns before any work began. There are no need for cycle lanes to run on either side of the carriageway.

“I’m not surprised by the photos. I know of peoples concerns about the height and difficulty of pulling out.

Commenting on concerns that the A-road is not wide enough for emergency vehicles to pass safely, the BCP council spokesperson said the road adhered to the national standards

Responding to concerns that A-road was not wide enough to permit emergency vehicles to pass it safely, spokesperson from BCP council said road conforms to national standards

“I think it will block emergency vehicles. It could also be dangerous as this road runs alongside a major route to the hospital.

“It is highly unlikely that there would be any modifications to the road as it stands now.”

Jean McLucas from Merley posted this online: “We just drove down it, and I feel quite claustrophobic because you are really hemmed-in by the high Kerbs on your nearside.

“There’s no escape route. You can’t move to the other side to avoid anything that is coming at you from the wrong direction.

Chris Edwards from Bournemouth said that a fire engine would not be able to get through traffic if it is too solid in both directions. The curbs were also too high for a driver to reach the top. This is a complete waste of time and a risk.

However, a spokesperson for BCP Council stated that emergency vehicles could still pass through the area and did not recommend cars climb onto the kerb.

The ambulance could pass through the vehicle because of their careful movement. Mounting the kerb is unnecessary and it would be a mistake for any vehicle.

Whitelegg Way carriageway measures between 6.4m-6.6m across, in accordance with current National Standards set forth by the Department for Transport.

It is safe to use by all vehicles including emergency vehicles. The vehicle has been subject to a series of road safety audits and continues to do so.

“The Transforming Cities Fund program team works with the emergency vehicle operator and has not been criticized about Whitelegg Way.”