Elderly resident says Hamm Beach kerb is 'dangerous'

Kevin Launder, a 75-year-old Wyke Regis resident said that the dropped kerb for the cycle path at Hamm Beach Road at Osprey Quay is ‘dangerous’ because it does not actually drop. 

Mr Launder has been using the route as both a pedestrian and a cyclist since it was installed before the 2012 Olympics were held in the area as the path leads to the sailing academy. He said he often enjoys the picturesque view of the area on his travels.  

Now, due to ongoing developments in the area, the path has been broken up to allow access to the Starbucks drive-through, but the markings for the cycle path narrow when crossing the road, and come up on a kerb, rather than a dropped kerb for cycling access.

The kerb does not drop for cyclists (Image: Alfie Lumb) Mr Launder said that the recent development of the Starbuck drive-through on the pathway has caused the issues, saying that those responsible ‘didn’t think’ about the cycle route, which narrows before the two island crossings outside the Starbucks.

“I hope they do something about it as soon as possible as the route is not clear, and I think somebody will get hurt. It’s as though they didn’t think when they did it- it’s nonsense.

“There is no reason for it to be like this, and it is virtually impossible for a cyclist to cross safely at these junctions, which will be more dangerous when the drive-through is completed.

“The building is relatively new, but my concern is that when all the work is done the developers will just walk away and say that it’s all done as it is.”

Kevin Launder pointed out the lack of a dropped kerb (Image: Alfie Lumb) There are markings to suggest that changes will be made in the future to the route, similar to the road further up near the sailing academy.

The dropped kerb further along towards the sailing academy (Image: Alfie Lumb) Mr Launder added: “It’s a really good facility for residents and locals to have a path like this, and I just hope that adjustments can be made to make it safer.”

A spokesperson for Rolling Wave Property, which is building the Starbucks site, said they are aware of the issues with the dropped kerb, and are in the process of tidying up the the site, admitting that it has been difficult to deal with the authorities over signing the work off. They added that is hoped that contractors should be on-site this week to work on the kerb. 

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: "The works in question are for Starbucks, and are being carried out by their nominated contractor.

"Remedial works have been identified by Dorset Council’s Highways team for this scheme, and the contractor is due to commence these."