Calls for better safety for cyclists at bollards in Watford High Street

Pauline Mickelburgh was travelling along Watford High Street at around 6pm on February 5 when her bike struck the bollards near Market Street.

It was dark and rainy, and Mrs Mickelburgh, who works in the High Street, and was on her way home to Croxley Green, was caught out by the bollards as they rose out of the ground.

The 47-year-old, who had been cycling in the designated cycle lane, has criticised the lane for being too near to the bollards.

She said: “They are really dangerous. When they are in the ground, you can’t see the bollards when it’s dark and the alarm bell only begins ringing when the bollards start to rise. There should be a sound warning first of a few seconds.

“But I also believe there isn’t enough space. It’s too dangerous. My friend says she has seen a cyclist knocked over too. I’m not against the bollards and I can understand why they are by the Palace Theatre but why do we need them at Market Street too. It’s a one-way street.

“I knew the bollards were there but perhaps at the time I thought they were a little further away. The weather wasn’t good. If they are going to stay, I think there should be lights on the bollards and on the ground so people can always see them, as well as an audible warning.”

She sustained grazes and bruises and her bike was damaged. When her husband complained on Twitter about his wife’s crash, Watford Borough Council said “adequate signage was in place”.

Two people sustained injuries after this bus was lifted in January

The bollards were installed in the High Street towards the end of last year but it’s fair to say the operation has run far from smoothly.

A number of vehicles, including a bus, have been lifted by the bollards at the Clarendon Road end.

The bollards were introduced to deter car drivers using the shopping street and the council has accused drivers who have been caught out as “tailgaters”.

The bollards are temporarily down at Clarendon Road and is currently being manned by a steward.

The bollards in Clarendon Road are out of order at the moment

Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “I was very sorry to hear about this unfortunate accident and hope that the person involved makes a full and speedy recovery.

“I would like to reassure residents that we have plenty of signs in place, all of which are illuminated. They meet all of the strict rules and regulations. When the bollards rise or fall they give a loud warning and on each bollard there are flashing lights too.

“Since we introduced rising bollards there has been an 80 per cent reduction in the number of cars driving here. It is now a much safer and more pleasant environment for people who are walking or riding a bike and we’ve had lots of positive feedback from residents about these changes.”