Cycle “Kissing Gate” finally removed

Pleased to report that the “kissing gate” on the National Cycle Network Route 54, 68 and 66 to access Onslow Road, Mickleover from Mickleover Meadows has now been replaced by a simple bollard.

Original offending gate as seen in 2019

There have been grumbles from cyclists for many years and some situations where people have been totally unable to make use of the National Cycle Network (e.g. those with trailers, those unable to manhandle their bike, those on tricycles, etc.).

As part of the ongoing works by Derby City Council on resurfacing the cycle route in Mickleover Meadows the offending gate has now been replaced and access should now be excellent for all users of the route.

New bollard from opposite direction

The resurfacing of the route within the park continues with some sections complete but other sections still requiring a top tarmac surface.

Well done to Derby City Council for making this gate change (and removing other barriers) and for the improvements to the path surface. There are reservations as to whether upgrading an existing adequate path was a good spend of the available funds. Creating a useful new route or connecting currently disconnected sections of cycle network may have provided wider benefits for the money spent. However, given the Council’s decision to proceed with this project, it is good to see the barrier issues have also been addressed.