A TAUNTON cyclist is asking the council to improve the surface of a “dangerous” cobbled roundabout in Taunton town centre.

Mike Ginger, who is a member of the Taunton Area Cycling Campaign, said the Market House roundabout is a “key concern” as its surface is “uneven” and “slippery”.

He also said: “We existed for six years so we talked to a lot of people in Taunton about what are the issues or what makes them feel uncomfortable when cycling and that is mentioned time and time again.

“We did a survey and we identified 16 locations that were worrying from a cycling perspective.

“We did a little survey just over the last week and we received dozens of comments about how dangerous the roundabout is. It is uneven, the surface is very slippery when wet.

“It seems to be a problem for motorcyclists as well, they find it slippery, and that’s why it is a key concern.”

Mr Ginger said SWT could improve the surface of the area as part of their Vivary Park to Station Route project.

Other cyclists and members of the public shared the following comments about the roundabout.

A member said: “The cobbles are so bumpy and dangerously slippery in wet weather and make it impossible to signal to other motorists where you are exiting. Both hands need to be on the handlebars to be able to maintain control of the bike.”

Another comment read: “The cobbles and ridges between mean that the bike wheel gets stuck in the ruts and therefore difficult to steer. Need to hold very tight to handle-bars - therefore impossible to make signals to other road users. Also very prone to wobbling across the traffic because of the ruts.”

A member of the group added: “The cobbles are dangerous as I feel that my tyres will slip, especially in wet weather. Also, the jolting on my bike is uncomfortable and painful. I try to avoid cycling on this part whenever possible.”

Mr Ginger also added: “We are asking for something smooth and not slippery and so dangerous, ideally.

“It would have some cycle lanes. It is a sensitive location but there are other materials that can be used so part of the cobbles could still be kept.

“We work a lot with SWT, we have been supporting them and we are not trying to be confrontational but this is an important issue and we have a golden opportunity with the funding being there for the Vivary to station route.

“So many people in Taunton talked to us about this and we are trying to represent people’s concerns. It’s all down to safety.”

A spokesperson for Somerset West and Taunton Council said: “Somerset West and Taunton Council is delivering significant cycling and walking improvements in Taunton town centre.

“The project, funded by the Future High Streets Fund (FHSF) and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), will provide an enhanced route between Taunton Railway Station and Vivary Park as well as new cycle ‘hubs’ for secure, sheltered cycle parking and public cycle repair stands.

“The route is highlighted in Somerset County Council’s (SCC) Taunton Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) as the ‘north to south corridor’ and will utilise the improved public realm at both Coal Orchard and Firepool.

“We have been working closely with TACC through regular stakeholder meetings and site visits to gain the benefit of their valued insight into the proposals.

“The FHSF funding bid, submitted in 2019, highlighted a number of schemes for delivery, one of which was resurfacing of the Market House roundabout.

“SWT have been exploring potential solutions, either in full or part, to the roundabout to bring it in line with Department for Transport guideline LTN1/20 for cycling infrastructure.

“Outline costs for the scheme have risen significantly since 2019 as inflation is affecting all aspects of the construction industry to such an extent that the available funding may not cover the costs of all the schemes.

“In addition, since the FHSF award, Somerset County Council (SCC) has been awarded Bus Service Improvement Plan funding and has commissioned feasibility work around bus prioritisation in the town centre which also carries a strong likelihood of impacting the Market House Roundabout.

“Based on these factors combined, the council took the decision to direct the funding towards schemes which are deliverable within the timescales and budget, and that wouldn’t result in abortive work. 2023 will now see a new cycle and pedestrian bridge over the River Tone, a new crossing at St James St and an improved crossing at Upper High St to Vivary Park, as well as additional and improved cycle parking and storage.”

Cllr Rigby, executive member for Planning and Transportation, said: ‘We understand the challenges that cyclists face at the roundabout and it remains a key priority for improvement.

“Since the start of the project, officers and transportation consultants have worked with Active Travel England (ATE) to find solutions that would be within budget and are deliverable within the given timescales dictated by the grant.

“We continue to work with ATE, SCC and other partners to explore funding options to enable the roundabout works to come forward, integrating with other transport and active travel improvements in the town centre.”