News - Welsh Government approves a new sign to warn cyclists of slippy hazards

22nd September 2011

A spate of bicycle accidents at a ford in the Vale of Glamorgan have resulted in the design of a brand new road sign

Cyclists in Llancarfan were taking an unplanned dip in the ford after algae growth on the bottom made it a slippy, slimey hazard.

The accidents prompted Sue Millard, landlady of the nearby Fox and Hounds pub, to get in touch with Cllr Gordon Kemp, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Llancarfan Community Council. As a result, the council has had a special sign created to warn cyclists of the potential hazard.

Cllr Gordon Kemp, Leader of the Vale council, said: "Although the algae does not present a danger for cars or other vehicles, it can be quite treacherous for cyclists. Our officers designed a new sign which has been approved by the Welsh Government to address the specifics of this problem".

The sign features the familiar image for a slip hazard but with an added bicycle. Cyclists do not have to walk through the ford as there is a footbridge near by.

Algae is very common in the UK and can grow rapidly over the summer months. It can be treated using chemicals which, for environmental reasons, the council is keen to avoid.