Altea bicycle lane causes controversy

THE seafront bicycle lane in Altea is appreciated by cyclists. Pedestrians are less overjoyed by the lane, which reduces the area where they can safely stroll without having to watch out for would-be Sir Bradley Wiggins emulators.

But restaurateurs and bar-owners in the section between the car park and Chocolates Valor heartily dislike the lane because waiters have to cross it to reach the outside tables. 

There have been near misses and cyclists are equally unhappy about dodging tray-bearing waiters.  The current council inherited the problem from their town hall predecessors which was solved last summer by closing the lane. Business-owners looking forward to a week of roaring trade after a quiet winter are hoping for a repetition over Easter.

Matters recently came to a head after the police visited establishments whose tables, chairs, awnings and signboards occupy more of the Paseo than they are entitled to. This has prompted worries that they will lose both outside tables and customers. 

Not so, the town hall said, explaining that a meeting was scheduled for Thursday March 17, and they will be asked only to occupy the areas to which they are entitled.