Mayors locked in war of words over cycle lane

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke and Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen previously united to scrap the bike lane

Two mayors have been locked in a war of words about the potential scrapping of a £1.7m cycle lane.

The scheme on Middlesbrough's Linthorpe Road, approved under former Independent Mayor Andy Preston, has faced backlash since its installation in 2022.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke have said it should be removed, amid concerns about injuries and the impact on local trade.

However, both have now attacked the other for slowing down the process of its removal.

Houchen posted a video on Tuesday in which he said Middlesbrough Council had told him it was going to recommend the cycle lane be kept.

This was despite the fact, according to the Conservative peer, the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) had agreed to fully fund the lane's removal, and it was ready to "put spades in the ground" before Christmas.

The cycle lane, which was brought in to make the area "greener" and "safer", has proved controversial because some pedestrians and cyclists have been injured while using it.

Meanwhile, some traders also reported falling trade due to parking shortages.

Houchen, said about 75% of those who responded to a consultation about scrapping the scheme had wanted it removed.

It is understood the removal would cost several million pounds.

'Making noise'

Cooke rejected Houchen's claims the council was pushing back.

He said the Labour-led local authority was waiting for "proper assurances" from the TVCA that it would actually "pay in full" for its removal.

He added he was "determined" the cycle lane would be "consigned" to the history books.

"The ball is in TVCA’s court - Ben Houchen is simply making noise in the background," he said.

The pair had earlier teamed up to campaign for the removal of the cycle lane.

Traders blame the Linthorpe Road Cycleway for deterring customers

Houchen said Cooke was "mistaken" and the council was "actually trying to stop" its removal.

"I am clear my organisation are ready to go and fund the works in full," he said.

He said the work would cost the council "nothing" and it was up to the authority to "let us get on with the job".