"Successful" cycle scheme prompts mirth by baffled cyclists

Twitter can be a harsh proving ground for any company - not least for all things cycling - the Niceway Code being a recent example.

So when AG Wilson Engineering posted a picture of what it called another “successful” greenway in Northern Ireland, with a barrier entirely blocking it, the results were, perhaps, predictable.

Perplexed cyclists jumped in to ask how to use the path, which is blocked by a long metal gate, with a chicane barrier to one side.

Chicanes on bike lanes - why are we still building this rubbish? ask frustrated campaigners

The company tweeted: “AG Wilson successfully delivered another greenway project in Railway park Dungannon”.

AG Wilson successfully deliver another greenway project in Railway park Dungannon. @nigreenways pic.twitter.com/cLiiy99P1T

— AGWILSON ENGINEERING (@agw_engineering) January 8, 2016

Many questioned how the greenway constituted a success given the apparent access issues, and say the large barrier and chicane combination make the route inaccessible for those on non-standard bikes including disability bikes, cargo bikes, tandems and tagalongs. 

If @agw_engineering use this image to show success, I'd hate to see what failure looks like. pic.twitter.com/fwDFp8fldN https://t.co/nLsiLlaoEo

— GM Cycling Campaign (@GMcycling) January 9, 2016

.@agw_engineering @nigreenways You call bull-traps that disabled people, trikes, tandems, parents with kids on tagalongs can't use success?

— William (@WilliamNB) January 9, 2016

@TweedColin this sort of stuff fails any basic consideration under the Equality Act @GMcycling @agw_engineering

— The Ranty Highwayman (@RantyHighwayman) January 9, 2016

Some wondered who the scheme was actually designed for, and whether there had been a mistake. It is unclear if AG Wilson is responsible for the gate itself. 

@agw_engineering When does the big barrier in the middle of the cycle path get removed? @nigreenways

— Matt Turner (@MattTurnerSheff) January 8, 2016

.@agw_engineering Erm. Go on, tell me how someone on a bicycles gets through there? @nigreenways

— Borghert Borghmans (@StripyMoggie) January 8, 2016

There was sarcasm aplenty.

@agw_engineering @nigreenways "Why do cyclists use th road when there's a cycle path?" <Looks at that photo> Oh yeah. That. #crapcyclelanes

— John Baker (@JohnBaker1975) January 9, 2016

@agw_engineering @nigreenways A bit muddy beside the gate. You might need more metalwork to stop people using it.

— Michael (@baoigheallain) January 8, 2016

Before people started to get creative with possible solutions, including developing Danny Mackaskill-level stunt skills.

@GMcycling @agw_engineering This is Macaskill gate. Easy for him.

— Tony Mclean (@steelmac) January 9, 2016

Something some brave souls suggested they’d try it out, with different approaches.

The over:

@StripyMoggie @pedalparity @agw_engineering @nigreenways looks just about bunny-hoppable from here

— Alan Head (@kil0ran) January 8, 2016

The under:

@StripyMoggie @kil0ran @pedalparity @agw_engineering @nigreenways maybe skid and slide under?

— Sally Hinchcliffe (@sallyhinch) January 8, 2016

The "here’s how it should be done, kids".

@agw_engineering @nigreenways Here's the Dutch equivalent nr The Hague. Note separate footway and lack of barrier pic.twitter.com/dihznvk4js

— Dan Doherty (@dandoherty1981) January 9, 2016

AG Wilson did not immediately respond to request for comment.