THE new £7.6million City Beach scheme in Southend is a potential death trap for cyclists, it has been claimed.

Daniel Puddick, 33, asked Southend Council why it did not provide a dedicated cycle path along the Golden Mile when the scheme was designed.

Council bosses say their intention was always for cyclists to share the same space as pedestrians as part of the revamp, which includes new lighting, fountains, paving and toilets.

However, Mr Puddick, who works at the Sunglasses Shop, in the High Street, and lives at Shoebury Garrison, said: “It just seems crazy.

“There will definitely be accidents between cyclists and either cars or pedestrians. On the road it’s really dangerous. It’s now been narrowed, making it impossible for a car to safely overtake a bike. But they try, and it is only a matter of time before someone is knocked off.

“Cycling on the lovely new pedestrian path will cause big problems of its own, with added danger for pedestrians.” There are dedicated cycle paths on Eastern Esplanade and Western Esplanade, either end of Marine Parade, and Mr Puddick says there would have been plenty of room to continue the cycle path along the Golden Mile.

He added: “I just would love to know what the council would like cyclists like myself to do? Risk our lives on the road, or cycle on the extra wide pathway?”

To improve the situation for cyclists, the council plans to put markings on the pavement to indicate a cycle path, rather than build a designated track, and has set aside £10,000 to carry out the work from its highways budget.

Southend Council’s special projects manager for transportation, Paul Mathieson, said: “During the school holidays, we monitored cyclists and pedestrians and could see they were using the space quite happily.

“We have been advising cyclists to use the road if they want to travel quickly.

“This does not cause any problems with car users as most are all travelling fairly slowly now.

“Otherwise, there is plenty of space for joint use clear of the road.”