![\"Linthorpe](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/linthorpe-road-middlesbrough-kevin-marks-twitter-1024x768.jpg\")
Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough (Image Credit: Kevin Marks \/ Twitter)<\/p>\nWork has started on removing the controversial \u00a31.7m cycle lane, dubbed \u201cBritain\u2019s most-hated\u201d on Linthorpe Road in Middlesbrough.<\/p>\n
The \u00a32.7 million removal is being funded by the Tees Valley Combined Authority. It will include planing of the existing surface, re-laying of the new surface and installation of associated road marking and traffic signals.<\/p>\n
The work will take place in phases over the next four weeks, with signed diversions between Borough Road and Ayresome Street.<\/p>\n
Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough (Image Credit: Kevin Marks \/ Twitter)<\/p>\n
A spokesman for Middlesbrough Council has said: \u201cThese closures are unavoidable to allow us to complete the final elements of these works.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe work will be undertaken off-peak to minimise disruption, and we are grateful to the public for their patience and understanding.\u201d<\/p>\n
> End of a \u201csorry chapter\u201d: Britain\u2019s most controversial cycle lane finally confirmed for removal in project worth over \u00a32 million<\/a><\/p>\n The route was installed in 2022, with the aim of being a \u201cquick and safe\u201d corridor into central Middlesbrough. However, it has been heavily criticised after injuries and claims that it is a \u201cclear getaway\u201d for shoplifters and drug dealers.<\/a><\/p>\n Not long after the route was opened, a 78-year-old pensioner was left with a broken wrist and a black eye<\/a> after tripping over an \u2018Orca\u2019 cycle lane separator.<\/p>\n A week later, cyclist Paul Harris required stitches after being thrown over his handlebars<\/a> after colliding with one of the same dividers. He said that cyclists had to cycle over the bumps to pass the bus stop.<\/p>\n He told Teesside Live<\/a>, \u201cWhy should somebody get hurt just for the council to then turn around and say they\u2019ll take it away?<\/p>\n \u201cIf people keep getting hurt in all these accidents, then they never should have built it in the first place.\u201d<\/p>\n A Freedom of Information Request by the Local Democracy Service in August 2025 revealed<\/a> that the authority had paid \u00a385,728 for 15 injury claims linked to the lane\u2019s controversial markers, with a further six claims still being processed at the time.<\/p>\n A 27-year-old woman also fractured her elbow on a night out crossing the lane. The \u2018orcas\u2019 were later replaced with plastic wands, and the proposed extension of the scheme was shelved.<\/p>\n > \u201cYou need a degree to work out the system\u201d: Local business owners welcome decision to rip out \u201cabsolute disaster\u201d cycle lane which led to \u201clots of customers\u201d getting parking tickets<\/a><\/p>\n Local business owners and workers also raised concerns that the shortage of parking and drop-off areas was costing them trade. One worker even said it was a \u201cclear getaway for criminals\u201d.<\/p>\n The worker from The Sleep Centre, a bed and mattress shop, told TeessideLive<\/a> that it was encouraging shoplifters and drug dealers \u201cbecause of the bollards, no one can stop them and the police will have a field day trying to catch them.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Linthorpe](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/img20231122094323.jpg\")
Linthorpe Road cycle lane flytipping (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)<\/p>\n