THE state of a Keighley cycle lane, which was completed at the end of 2013, has been criticised by one of its regular users.

Keen cyclist and Beechcliffe resident Nick Chambers said the surface of the £195,000 lane, which runs along Royd Ings Avenue, connecting Beechcliffe to Stockbridge, was in an "appalling" state.

But Steeton-based cycling champion Sid Barras said he thought the cycle path was in an "acceptable condition".

"I'm 68 and it doesn't give me any cause for concern," he added. "Out of 10 I'd give it a score of seven and a half or eight."

A Bradford Council spokesman has responded that improvement work is due to take place on this lane.

Mr Chambers, 39, who is a self-employed landscape gardener, said the lane's surface is so rough that whenever he cycles along it he fears his bike tyres could be punctured.

He added: "It's in a shocking state, and I challenge anyone who was involved with this project to ride along it on a road bike and disagree.

"I know other cyclists do use it. The lane is meant to be providing a safe route for us where we can avoid three busy, dangerous roundabouts.

"This cycle lane cost nearly £200,000 and a big project like that should have been a legacy of having the Tour de France come through Keighley.

"I just think it's a real shame that they just haven't finished the job properly.

"It is close to being un-ridable and every time I cycle along it I grit my teeth."

Mr Chambers said he uses the lane at least twice a week, noting that it has the potential to be a very useful route for people who cycle to work.

Bradford Council's spokesman said last week: “Improvement works are still being carried out on this road including the cycle lane."

Mr Barras, who is a four-times British cycling champion, rode along this lane last Wednesday. (Oct 26)

He said: "Where you enter it from the Utley end and go beneath the road (A629) there are a few potholes, but that isn't actually part of the cycle path itself.

"I rode the full length of the cycle lane and while it's a bit rough in places I personally don't think its dangerous."

The cycle path was first announced in 2012 as one of 70 Safer Cycle Routes across the UK to be funded with £40 million of government cash.

The Department for Transport granted £150,000 for the Keighley route, with a further £45,000 to come from other sources.