A NEW seafront cycle lane is an “accident waiting to happen” according to worried cyclists.

Riders in Southend say there should be a barrier between the path and the road. They have complained about the perils they face as young riders wobble towards the road, pedestrians walk in the bike-only lane forcing riders to swerve, and car doors are opened into the path of oncoming cyclists.

The lane is on the seafront side of Western Esplanade between the road and the pavement and is two-way for bicycles.

Anna Waite, councillor responsible for transport and parking, asked people to be patient as the work was not yet complete.

She said: “I am confident it’s safe and will be even safer when it’s complete in about six weeks.

“There will be a raised line, like at the edge of a motorway, to mark the barrier between the road and cycle path and signs for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists warning them it’s a cycle path.”