CYCLISTS and motoring organisations have criticised a series of “pointless” cycle lanes around Blackburn.

Red cycle lanes that can run for just 20 or 30 yards have appeared throughout the borough recently, including Salford in the town centre.

And the opposition leader has accused council chiefs of wasting money just to bring in extra Government funding.

Dave Brown, the Lancashire Telegraph’s cycling columnist, said the lanes were not helpful to either cyclists or drivers.

“To stick 20 yards of lanes in an otherwise busy thoroughfare is only going to aggravate cyclists and motorists.

“It should be a case of you do it properly or not at all, but there are far too many of these little lanes about.

“To expect cyclists to use such short lanes is crazy, they are not encouraging cyclists to cycle at all.”

Coun Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration and environment, said the council aimed to provide safe cycle lanes in the town wherever possible.

“We are greatly encouraged by the Government to put cycle lanes in for a number of reasons, such as getting cars off the road and encouraging healthy living.

“We would only put in cycle lanes that are safe for use and afford protection to cyclists.”

Coun Cottam added that the council received funding from central Government that was measured on the length of cycle lanes in the borough.

But opposition leader Coun Kate Hollern said: “It’s just pointless to have cycle lanes this short.

"It shows this council’s thinking. They are wasting money to secure extra funding.”

A spokesman for the RAC Foundation said: “Marked on-road cycle routes can offer benefits to both cyclist and motorists if they are wide enough, long enough and well-enforced.

“If stretches are too short or too narrow they can be confusing for all road users including pedestrians.

“The RAC Foundation believes that if Lancashire is going to introduce cycle lanes there should be a coherent plan.

“Cycle lanes could be introduced as part of a campaign to encourage cycling, which might include training and advertising for all road users about their use.”