An infamous 'optical illusion' cycle lane will remain - despite injuring at least 80 people since opening.

The lane has been branded 'the most dangerous in Britain' due to the high number of injuries - with locals blaming the 'optical illusion' design.

Photos of the lane shows how it appears to be flat at a glance - but actually passes over an elevated pedestrian crossing.

Walkers on Keynsham High Street say they have repeatedly missed and tripped on a 'hidden' curb - which they say looked like a flat line as it is painted white.

But locals calling for the lane to be scrapped have been dealt a blow - after councillors dropped a motion targeted at improving its safety.

Councillors in Keynsham had proposed a cross-party plan to commit Bath and North East Somerset Council to investigate the costs of fixing it.

This had been due to be voted on at a council meeting last week - but the councillors have now withdrawn and postponed it amid fears it would be 'torpedoed' by the administration.

A spokesperson for the Liberal Democrat group said: “We understand the Keynsham Councillors decided to withdraw their motion whilst we await the Stage 4 safety audit.

“We’re taking reports of all falls seriously. The majority of incidents happened within the first six months of the scheme going in and the number of incidents is decreasing as people get used to the changes and in light of the amendments we have already made.

“We are listening and the Stage 4 road safety audit we commissioned will guide us. An example of an improvement we’ve already made is to introduce the red cycle lane finish last August.”

Official figures show that that at least 76 people have reported falls in the cycle lane since it opened in March 2022, although the unreported figure is believed to be significantly higher.

Injuries people have included fractures, lost teeth, and significant bruising.

The lane had to be re-painted red in August 2022 after 46 injuries were reported on the stretch of road in just six months.

Locals wanting it scrapped have previously recalled their experiences of coming to harm there.

One person said: "I fell into the road last year, cutting my knee, twisting my ankle and ripping my jeans.

"The council were not very helpful or even asked if I was ok. They did suggest that I use the crossing next time."

Another added: "I tripped but manage to get my balance. Don’t know whether it was the kerb or cycle lane."

One said "That’s just the ones that have been reported.. it’s a daily occurrence pretty much.

''Have seen some pretty nasty falls having worked in one of the shops on the High street."

Another person said they had been pushing a wheelchair when they nearly fell.

They said: "You just can’t judge the step especially if you are distracted a really poor design."

One partially sighted person added: "I went last week for a shopping trip, nightmare for people partially sighted. Glad I had my sister with me!"

SWLNlane - by Tom Bevan