A controversial cycling infrastructure project in Middlesbrough will be dismantled this month, marking the end of a scheme that has cost taxpayers millions and resulted in numerous injuries.

The Linthorpe Road cycle lane, constructed in 2022 for £1.7million, will be removed at an additional expense of £2.17million, with work commencing on August 26.

The ill-fated project has led to compensation payments exceeding £85,000 for injuries sustained by pedestrians and cyclists who encountered the lane's rigid dividers.

The Tees Valley Combined Authority will cover the removal costs, while the original installation was funded through government grants.

More than £80,000 has already been paid out in injury claims

The scheme has attracted widespread criticism since its inception, with local officials and business owners condemning its impact on the area.

Fifteen injury claims have been settled by Middlesbrough Council through their insurers, whilst six additional cases remain pending resolution.

The local authority confirmed that 25 claims were submitted between the cycle lane's completion in 2022 and July 2025.

The black-and-white rubber dividers separating the cycle lane have proved hazardous for both pedestrians and cyclists, causing numerous trips and falls.

Reports suggest it will cost more than £2million to remove the road features

Council representatives stated that their insurers handle all claims, evaluating liability and providing compensation when deemed appropriate.

The £85,728 already disbursed represents settlements for the resolved cases, though the final compensation figure may increase once the remaining claims are processed.

The installation attracted fierce condemnation at a full council meeting in October 2023, where it was labelled "disastrous", while local businesses have reported declining trade, attributing losses to reduced parking availability and limited drop-off points.

The owner of Madame Rouge vintage pub and tearooms described the project as "an absolute disaster", as other merchants echoed similar sentiments about the negative impact on their establishments.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen offered particularly scathing criticism during a BBC Radio Tees interview on Wednesday, claiming the cycle lane was predominantly utilised by children "causing problems" and "drug dealers who exploited it as a bike run to be able to get through traffic".

These concerns contributed to the decision to dismantle the infrastructure despite its recent installation. Despite the removal, several safety improvements implemented alongside the cycle lane will be preserved.

The 20mph speed restriction on Linthorpe Road will continue, along with a pedestrian crossing installed during the original works.

Certain side roads connecting to Linthorpe Road will remain closed to vehicular traffic, whilst junction narrowing measures designed to reduce vehicle speeds and shorten pedestrian crossing distances will also be retained.

Middlesbrough Council said the cycle lane would remain in place

Council data indicates cyclist injuries decreased proportionally after the lane's installation.

Between 2015 and 2021, cyclists accounted for 23 per cent of 57 recorded injuries, compared to just 12 pr cent of 26 injuries between 2022 and 2024.

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke affirmed: "We're still committed to encouraging active travel, including walking and cycling, but they need to be the right schemes in the right places."

Commenting on the controversial road measures, the Association of British Drivers said: "Mindless fanatical support for cycling allows brain-dead Middlesbrough Council to throw all common sense out of the window, endangering pedestrians."