As part of the resurfacing work on Dorchester Road at Lytchett Minster, the authority has repainted the cycle lanes on either side of the road at the minimum standard 1.5 metres width, but – as a trial – have not repainted the centre line.

This approach is recommended in recently released Government guidance on designing for cycling as part of a £2bn investment in active travel announced earlier this year. The route is used by around 30 cycle commuters and 40-50 pupils going to Lytchett Minster School each day.

The council says that if we had the same levels of cycling as there is in Cambridge, around 300 pupils would be cycling to the school, relieving local car congestion and saving 35 tonnes of CO2 per year. In a scenario where everyone has e-bikes this route could be used by 330 cycle commuters a day.

The council says by having a centre line, mixed messages are relayed to drivers about where they should be positioned.

Centre lines have already been removed in some locations as a way of slowing down traffic on other roads in Dorset.

In addition, as part of resurfacing work on Dorchester Road, Weymouth, the layout of the road has been altered to give slightly more room to the cycle lanes. These have been increased from the minimum 1.5 metres width to 1.8m width from the junction with Radipole Lane to Wey Valley School.