CAN you wheelie believe it?

Council chiefs have incurred the wrath of cyclists by putting up street lights in a cycle lane.

Two new lights have been placed in the middle of the lane at Overcombe Corner, Preston Road, Weymouth.

Cyclists are demanding the columns are moved to a safer position on the pavement before someone gets hurt - as riders steering round the obstruction risk hitting pedestrians.

The move has also raised concerns about the lack of consultation about the position of new lights.

Dorset County Council and EDF Energy have signed a contract worth £100 million to replace lampposts and illuminated signs across the county. Cyclist Dave Searle of Preston said: "The lights are slap bang in the middle of the cycle lane, it's really daft.

"They would be better located closer to the kerb like the one near the pelican crossing."

Fellow Preston cyclist Geoff Dodge is equally concerned. He said: "It's crazy but it doesn't surprise me because local authorities pay lip service to cyclists.

"I've come across street furniture in cycle lanes elsewhere before. I've ridden in lanes which just end, are wrongly signed or are so narrow they are too dangerous to use.

"There's a great cycle lane in Dorchester towards the Sun Inn, but I wouldn't be surprised if they stick some street lights in the middle of that."

Ken Reed, Weymouth co-ordinator for the Dorset Cyclists' Network, claims the lights' position is dangerous' and is demanding their immediate removal.

In a letter to Dorset County Council engineers he said: "Please could these be removed as soon as possible.

"In the meantime, I would appreciate it if the obstructions could be signed to make cyclists and pedestrians aware of the danger. It is also necessary to provide protection for cyclists who may run into the posts by padding them prior to their removal."

Mr Reed adds in his letter: "I have considerable reservations about the way this (lighting) scheme is being carried out and whether it has any advantages for pedestrians and cyclists.

"There appears to be no consultation process with the cyclists' and pedestrian organisations prior to carrying out work which affects us.

"My contact with the contractors also indicates that there is also very little consultation with residents prior to carrying out work in our areas."

Several months ago the council relocated a street light which cyclists raised concerns about in Portland Beach Road, so Mr Reed is hopeful the same can be done at Overcombe Corner.

He has received a response from county council lighting engineer Rod Mainstone who says he is endeavouring to sort out the problem.

Mr Mainstone was not available for comment today, but a council spokesman said: "If people have concerns about the location of street lights we will look into it to see if anything can be done."