A dad has issued an urgent plea to road users in a bid to make travel safer for all.
Keen cyclist Edward Lamb has said more needs to be done to improve safety on the roads for cyclists as "all roads should be safe". Having recently visited the Netherlands and seeing the changes to accommodate cycling, Edward told the ECHO it was "mad we haven't followed their lead."
The Wirral dad, who is avidly involved in the Merseyside Cycling Campaign, previously shared "dangerous" footage of what cyclists have to face on the road with motorists. Having been involved in a car accident himself, and worrying for the safety of his family, Edward said motorists need to be more aware.
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He said: "There's a real need more than ever to promote cycling, from climate change and now the cost of living, people will be hit hard in the coming months so we should really encourage people to get on bikes. But we do need to make sure that safety is there, creating safer conditions so more people want to cycle.
"We've got to work together to make it safer. There's this us vs them attitude lately. Most adult riders do drive also and are good at knowing the rules of the road but we need more people to get on the bike. At the minute, there's a real risk of injury. I ride and drive and it's a real joy, it's about changing those habits and stop reaching for car keys."
Edward, who said we all have a part to play on the roads, has spoken out after reports of a " serious crash " in Hoylake earlier this month. The cyclist, in his 50s, was involved in a crash with a Renault Cleo, on Meols Drive, at around 3.45pm on Sunday, August 14.
The driver of the car remained at the scene to help with enquiries. The road was closed for a number of hours while investigations were carried out, but the cyclist remains in hospital in a " critical condition ".
He said: "Most motorists need to be more aware when on the roads. Since cycling, my driving has changed a lot and I have had a lot of close calls, it's eye opening. It's really important to give us more space. I was involved in a hit and run once, I was okay luckily but I know what it's like to be hit at 30mph and it's not great.
"We shouldn't have to avoid roads because we are scared of what could happen. Wirral is a nice place to get around outside on a bike, it's fantastic but it can get very tricky having to take long routes around.
"Main roads like Meols needs a segregates route, we need drivers and cyclists separated by a barrier, some speed limits can even be lowered. Filter certain roads so it reduces traffic."
Edward, who also campaigns for safe walking, said 20mph zones and rural cycle routes can all help to make the roads safer for cyclists. He has even launched a petition to keep and improve the Fender Lane cycle route in Wirral as he says it sets the benchmark for similar schemes across Wirral.
The petition can be found here. The Merseyside Cycling Campaign was set up in 1985 to campaign for better and safer space for cycling. More information can be found by clicking here.
Cllr Liz Grey, Chair of the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee, said: "The council is fully committed to creating safe, accessible routes for cyclists and pedestrians. Schemes aiming at improving the environment and facilities for active travel are promoted - and actively funded - by the Government and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
"Wirral Council has already secured funding to deliver a range of active travel schemes in the borough and they form a key part of ensuring the council delivers on a number of its main priorities, such as addressing the climate emergency, improving air quality and supporting healthier and active lives - as well as fulfilling national policy objectives to support people to walk and cycle more often.
"The council is also implementing 20mph limits on residential streets. A borough-wide review of roads, to identify current speeds and usage, has been undertaken and a plan to roll out 20mph zones over several years will shortly go out for consultation.
"In addition, we undertake regular road safety awareness campaigns aimed at educating all road users about the need to stay safe and be mindful and considerate of others."
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