Mystery over Birmingham cycle lanes is answered

New road markings that appeared in Birmingham City Centre are not cycle lanes but designed to warn cyclists when to dismount, the council has said.

The two lanes, less than 15 metres in length and 100 metres apart, appeared overnight next to the Metro tracks along Corporation Street.

A Birmingham City Council spokesman said: "This is not a cycle lane. The marked area is just an advance warning pointing to where cyclists will be asked to leave the carriageway and dismount.

"Part of Corporation Street is not suitable for cycling as the new tram platforms will encroach into the gap between the kerb line and the track.

"We do not want cyclists trying to cross the tram tracks at a shallow angle, getting caught in the rails and falling off their bikes. The appropriate blue signs can be seen in the picture.

"The scheme will also, ultimately, promote Cannon Street as an alternative route for cyclists with a contraflow cycle lane signed."

Centro put up signs on Monday announcing test trams could be running down Corporation Street as early as next week. Midland Metro trams have been running from Snow Hill into Bull Street since December and Centro said all trams should be running to New Street Station by next month.