Man hospitalised after using Darlington's Woodland Road cycle lane

Graham Webster, an experienced cyclist from Houghton-Le-Spring was cycling along Woodland Road when the accident happened and has spoken to The Northern Echo about his ordeal.

On the morning of Sunday, Feb 19, whilst cycling toward the town centre, just before the Hollyhurst Road junction and opposite St Teresa’s Hospice, Mr Webster fell suddenly and was taken to hospital in an ambulance.

The accident is thought to have occurred due to Mr Webster’s wheels catching the edge of the raised concrete kerb edge which separates the cycle lane and the road lane tarmac levels.

Graham Webster, an experienced cyclist, wants to warn others of dangers on the Woodland Road cycle lane in Darlington. Picture: Graham Webster (Image: Graham Webster)

Woodland Road in Darlington. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

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Mr Webster told The Northern Echo: “There were no warning signs to highlight the change of surface height and the kerb looks like a flat painted line as you approach it dead ahead.

“I was admitted with concussion and requiring scans and X-rays. I sustained injuries to my neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, and knee. My crash helmet and most of my clothing was destroyed in the accident and my bike suffered damage too.

“I was retained for several hours in A&E and discharged later that day. I was unable to work in my role as a cycle mechanic because of concussion and being in considerable pain and discomfort.”

“I learned from A&E staff on the day that they have treated several injuries from accidents occurring on this stretch of cycle lane.”

The incident took place in February and Mr Webster was taking to hospital with concussion. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

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The 57-year-old retired Air Force engineer said: “The reason I thought I should get in touch with you (the Echo) is because I’m sure I can’t be the only person this has happened to and it’s clearly just not safe, so the people in charge of making these decisions need to know how dangerous it could be.”

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A spokesperson for Darlington Borough Council said: “The design of Woodland Road is fully compliant with national guidance, with the aim of ensuring that pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles each have a designated, separate space on the highway.

“We are committed to the safety of all road users and will continue to monitor the operation of the new layout.”