Stumped cyclists were forced to stop in their tracks on a High Wycombe pavement this month after a confusing sign signalled that they were not allowed to ride – in a cycle lane.

The puzzling sign appears to have been in place for quite some time, but was only recently spotted by an eagle-eyed cyclist as he tried to make his way through town.

The red “no cycling” sign is next to a painted lane only allowed to be used by cyclists, at the junction of Arch Way and Premier Way in the town centre.

The gaffe has since been reported to Transport for Bucks who have admitted concerns that it may have been tampered with and turned around the wrong way.

However, the problem, which was reported over two weeks ago, is yet to be dealt with by the authorities.

The sign was spotted by a Bucks Free Press reader about the same time a speed limit sign mystified motorists in Wooburn Moor.

For about 24 hours, the sign on Watery Lane, near the junction with the A40 White Hill, caused confusion, telling people to drive at 30mph, while the sign on the opposite side of the road says 40mph.

The signs were changed the next day, with TfB claiming that “it looks as though one of these signs may have been turned around intentionally to cause confusion”.

The recent incidents appear to be just a sign of the times though, with a number of other high profile mix-ups creating a stir amongst readers.

Last December, new LED streetlamps projecting road names were revealed as part of a redevelopment on Oxford Road, only for it to quickly be pointed out that the illuminated inscription was of the wrong place.

Bucks Free Press:

Just down the road, in West Wycombe, another Free Press reader spotted a sign being put up upside down in the car park of West Wycombe Village Hall, leading to yet more confusion.

And last month, an estate agent left residents of Great Missenden baffled after an embarrassing spelling error saw the name of the village spelt incorrectly.

To report a roadside sign problem, go to www.buckscc.gov.uk/transport/tell-tfb