A CYCLIST has hit out at a "dangerous" new city centre road layout saying there could be a serious accident before long - but Bradford Council insists the scheme has been through "robust processes including road safety audits."

Many Bradfordians have expressed frustration since the introduction of a new public transport loop and the closure of roads including Hall Ings and Market Street to traffic last month.

It means bus users have to use alternative stops which have appeared on Well Street, Vicar Lane, Bridge Street, and Nelson Street.

It is the layout of Well Street that has caused annoyance among some commuters in the city centre.

Pictures and videos show pedestrians walking in front and behind the buses, vehicles travelling in the same direction using both lanes, and the smallest of gaps for cyclists.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Vehicles travelling towards The Broadway using both lanesVehicles travelling towards The Broadway using both lanes (Image: UGC)Bradford Council says it is aware of congestion on Well Street and is "working to reduce this" and will "review the site further".

One cyclist, who has captured helmet camera footage of some of his cycling challenging trips, claimed the new road is "not wide enough and dangerous".

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Well Street opened last monthWell Street opened last month (Image: UGC)He added: "I'm concerned that before long there is going to be a serious accident on the newly constructed Well Street road adjacent to Broadway.

"I use this route on my cycle commute and when buses are queued on either side of the road there is no room for other buses, taxis or even bicycles to get past.

"I saw a bus overtaking a stationary bus taking up the entire opposite side of the road.

"This, coupled with pedestrians not using the crossings provided makes this quite dangerous.

"Sometimes pedestrians are even crossing between stationary buses.

"There is no accounting for the common sense of some pedestrians but the compact nature of the layout leaves everyone vulnerable."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Two buses using both lanes to leave Well StreetTwo buses using both lanes to leave Well Street (Image: UGC)A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “All highway schemes are designed to standards which are set out by the Department for Transport (DfT).

"The scheme was designed by professional civil and traffic engineers and went through robust processes including road safety audits.

"The scheme takes into account the latest cycling standards set out by DfT and Active Travel England."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Pedestrians have been walking in front and behind the busesPedestrians have been walking in front and behind the buses (Image: UGC)They added: “We are aware of congestion on Well Street and are working to reduce this. Part of the overall designs for the city centre include alternative routes for cyclists in the newly pedestrianised areas once completed.

“Barriers are in place along Well Street to direct pedestrians to the correct locations to cross, but unfortunately, we cannot control the actions of individuals who may not be paying attention as they pass through the area. We will however review the site further.

“The overall city centre scheme is currently in the construction phase and we acknowledge this is causing some disruption, but once complete the scheme will provide clear benefits to both pedestrians and cyclists in the city centre.”