Lib Dems call for improvements to county roads to help cyclists

Gloucestershire Lib Dems call for road improvements to encourage more to commute by bike

August 15 is the UK's annual Cycle to Work day, one of the largest event in the bike calendar and sees thousands of workers ditch the car and cycle to work instead.

The benefits of cycling are enormous, from promoting healthy bodies and mental wellbeing, to cutting the amount of pollution and congestion on our roads.

Yet despite this, only three per cent of the UK's commuters use a bike to get to and from work - one of the lowest rates in Europe. At the other end of the scale, 43% of Dutch and 30% of Danes cycle daily.

Councillor Iain Dobie, Liberal Democrats county council spokesman on cycling, said: "Our county has some of the most stunning routes to cycle, either socially or on people's commute to work.

"However, people are being put off cycling because they do not feel safe on our roads, meaning both they and wider society miss out on the incalculable benefits.

"Given the state of Gloucestershire's roads - most notably the shocking level of potholes or uneven surfaces - it is hardly surprising that people feel nervous on just two wheels.

"That is why Gloucestershire Lib Dems will continue to call for more investment in our roads and highways to get more people to ditch their car."