Cyclists going nowhere on 15ft path

But cyclists in Oval Road, Camden, have been baffled by an apparently pointless lane, just 15 ft long. It offers just a few seconds of safety, before, with another pedal-push, riders are once again on the same road as cars.

The lane is said to have been painted by accident – however that happens, it looks like it takes some skill to create the little laid-down bicycle, complete with handlebars, seat and pedals – by Camden Council.

Cyclist David Jones, from Archway, said: "It's the sort of stupid thing the council would do. It's just crazy – what a waste of money. It's a useless little strip in the road." The council, which had no knowledge of the pointless path, didn't even know it was there, until it was shown pictures.

A council spokeswoman said: "This marking was put down in error after the road was resurfaced many years ago and, while it has caused no problems, we will now get it removed as soon as we can." She added she was not sure how much the work would cost.