A Dutch cycle lane similar to the concept trialed by NZTA near Cambridge. The red lanes can be used by motorists when other cars approach but cyclists have the right of way.

Roto-o-rangi Rd after the trial cycle lanes, visible in black, were removed after safety fears.

A road trial which left cars facing oncoming traffic in a single lane and cyclists enjoying two lanes on Roto-o-rangi Rd near Cambridge has been halted.

Kairangi Farmer Bill Garland wants someone held accountable for the abandoned cycle lane trial that left drivers on a collision course.

The agency tasked to look after the nation's roadways has been called on to explain a cycle lane trial that left motor vehicles on a collision course.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) created two sets of cycle lanes on Thursday and Friday last week on either side of Roto-o-rangi Rd near Leamington in Cambridge.

Roto-o-rangi Rd was reduced to the size of a single lane just three paces wide, leaving local councillors fuming.

The speed limit was reduced to 60kmh to allow for the cyclists and cars to share the road but by Saturday, the monitored trial was called off.

The issue was raised as a late item at the full council meeting in Te Awamutu this week but elected leaders were unable to vote on it.

Waipa is known for its strong cycling fraternity with the region's country roads and Cambridge's Avantidrome attracting hundreds of cyclists.

But even bike-loving councillors wanted answers. Cr John Bishop was adamant NZTA should front up and explain what they were thinking.

"I would like to suggest that NZTA and Opus front up at the next Service Delivery meeting while we deal with this," said Bishop.

Mayor Jim Mylchreest said the request would be put to the roading agency and was concerned the council would be cast in a bad light.

"It's unanimous around this table that the trial was an absolute disaster and didn't achieve the results that NZTA were after," said Mylchreest.

The 2-1 roading layout removed the three original, white lane markings and replaced them with two lines which formed the cycle lanes and a centre lane wide enough for a single vehicle.

Deputy mayor Grahame Webber went to the site after a slew of complaints.

"I tell you what, that's a bloody spooky thing to do," said Webber. "I was only doing 60kmh but when there is a car in front of you and coming the other way, there was great confusion from the locals about where do they go?"

Road corridor manager Koos Lelieveld said council were well aware of the trial and Waipa needed to put their hand up for their part in the road safety slip-up.

"We did drop the ball," said Lelieveld. "There is no denying that this is something we could have done better."

NZTA national cycling manager Dougal List said the road layout gave additional priority to cyclists and encouraged drivers to share.

The layout was common in Europe but Roto-o-rangi Rd was found to be unsuitable.

"We've seen that there has been strong public reaction to it and that the layout isn't right for that location and we've reacted quickly to that feedback."

"We do want to make sure people are aware of what is going on. There were some letters provided to the local community but clearly, we didn't do enough."

A similar design, known as Fietsstrook is used on low-speed Dutch road, with colour lanes either side for cyclists. Motorists can use the cycle lanes when other cars approach from the opposite direction but must allow cyclists the right of way.

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