Bizarre billboard blunder in Sheffield bike lane

Confused cyclists have been left scratching their helmets since the futuristic advertising board popped-up on the Hanover Way cycle path earlier this year.

But despite telling Sheffield Council about the blunder in March – the path is still completely blocked by the bulky billboard.

Cyclists have slammed the authority for failing to take action, insisting its location is ‘dangerous’.

Dexter Johnstone, of campaign group CycleSheffield, said: “This serves as a good example of the poor provision for people who want to make their journeys by bike and by foot in Sheffield.

“Given the city’s traffic congestion, poor air quality and the health benefits of exercise, the council should be making cycling and walking easier – not inconvenient and potentially dangerous.”

Dexter said the group raised this issue with the council on the March 17. 
He said: “We were told it should not have been installed there and would get moved. But the council seems unable to get the company that installed them to relocate them and unable to do the work themselves.”

Coun Mazher Iqbal, cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said the billboard has been installed as part of a new contract with firm Clear Channel to replace city advertising boards.

He said: “As a matter of urgency, we have asked Clear Channel to relocate the panel to a location as close to the original position as possible to allow safe use of the highway by pedestrians and cyclists alike. We are working closely with groups like Cycle Sheffield to make improvements to Sheffield’s existing cycle network.”