Drivers in Brighton and Hove have a “phobia” about cyclists, according to a bike campaigner.

Howie Blanks delivered a 13-point plan to Hove MP Mike Weatherley to help “change attitudes” towards cyclists and make roads safer.

Mr Blanks, from Brighton and Hove Cycle Touring Club, said: “Attitudes on both sides need to change if we are going to make it safer for cars and bicycles to co-exist in our city.

“I have been cycling for many years and it is getting progressively more dangerous.

“It is apparent that that there is a real phobia towards cyclists in our city but things will not change unless there is an increased investment in enforcement, training and improvements in the cycling infrastructure.”

The bike campaigner’s road safety suggestions included improving road layouts at accident black spots and building more cycle paths.

He told the MP that more police officers should use bicycles to enforce traffic rules and pushed for lower speed limits in residential areas.

Mr Blanks also backed a “revolutionary masterplan” to make cycling safer in Lewes Road, launched by the family of a teacher who was hit by a truck as she rode to university.

The new plan from the Jo Walters Trust proposes a network of cycle routes linking Falmer and the city centre.

Improving roads

Mr Weatherley said: “Cycle safety has been in the national news recently with a message that we need to be doing more.

"We knew this already in Brighton & Hove so in many ways we are already ahead of the game.

“The trick will be to find ways to make improvements without spending massive amounts.

"Encouraging the police to use bikes more, marking lanes better, and spreading the word generally are three suggestions that I support wholeheartedly.”

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: “We are sympathetic to the hazards cyclists face generally and at the many specific spots Mr Blanks mentions.

"We’re aiming to work through the most hazardous locations in the city.

"We have some very exciting proposals coming forward soon which should address some of Mr Blanks’ concerns.”

On Thursday (March 1) the Government wrote to Brighton and Hove City Council urging them to seek sponsors for bike hire schemes in the style of London’s Boris Bikes.

Simon Kirby MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven said the council should seriously consider the idea.

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