CALLS have been made for more cycle lanes and a better cycling network across the city to replace “inadequate facilities”.

Green Party councillor Pete West, a former mayor of Brighton and Hove, has slammed the council’s lack of an individual cycling strategy for the city.

Councillor West told The Argus: “We are experiencing a rise in the number of people cycling in the city but the facilities to support cycling across the board are inadequate.

“I want a cycle strategy that grasps what cycling can do for the city.

“From my experience we have some very low standard cycle lanes here and we need more on-road lanes.”

Brighton and Hove city councillors previously supported proposals to create a better cycling network by increasing the number of lanes and connecting up existing lanes, after questions were raised about the current strategy’s effectiveness.

But Cllr West said it has not been acted upon.

At the council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee meeting on Tuesday it was announced that a report would be brought before relevant committees in November concerning the city’s cycling plan.

At the meeting Cllr West said: “We haven’t got a report here today but I am hoping that as requested the report be brought to this committee, which should include a specific strategy.

“We suffer heavily from congestion.

“Cycling is a good way of reducing congestion, air pollution and allowing people to live healthier lives.

“We need investment and it is high time we had a city cycling strategy.

“We are playing catch up. We need a strong vision for the future so we can maximise potential in the city.”

Ideas proposed when the committee met earlier this year included the creation of a Brighton and Hove Cycle Network, better bike parking facilities and greater use of initiatives such as personal travel planning, employee purchase schemes and rider and maintenance training.

Calls were also made for the council to consult cycling groups and residents to help produce an effective strategy.

Steve Percy, founder of the People’s Parking Protest group and a member of the Transport Partnership, said: “Any road space used up by cyclists is annoying.

“Everyone should have a fair say but we don’t get enough space for cars on the road at the moment so I think calls for more cycle lanes need justifying.”

Councillor Gill Mitchell, chairwoman of the environment, transport and sustainability committee, responded to councillor West saying: “We will be progressing along with our existing plans to deliver cycling in the local transport plan.

“The city has been recognised both nationally and internationally for this.

“Growth fund money has been provided for the city’s bike share scheme.

“There is also the £1.5 million access fund award, the Lewes Road sustainable transport fund and a planned study visit from the Swedish Government to look at cycling in the city.”

Cllr West said: “To say cycling is included in the local transport plan is not the same as a specific cycling strategy. I am disappointed.”