There is “definitely room for improvement” in Dorset’s cycling infrastructure, says a local campaigner.
Angela Pooley, secretary for Bournemouth Cycling Forum, says more can be done to encourage cycling on Dorset roads.
“Bournemouth is a congested area, and we need to make people more aware of cyclists and the benefits of cycling,” she said.
Numbers of cyclists killed or seriously injured on Dorset roads almost doubled between 2005-2015.
2015 saw the highest number at 38. Figures for 2016 are not yet available.
International student Vedangi Kulkarni, 18, often cycles around Dorset.
She believes Poole is an area where the cycling infrastructure can be improved.
“That’s an area where I found cycling to be quite dangerous – while cyclists are often given preference in Bournemouth, around the Poole side I think that’s not the case,” she said.
“I have to wait a lot around there, and when I go I often hear people honking.”
Health and wellbeing
Despite this, Angela believes Dorset’s cycling infrastructure has improved generally.
“It’s much better than it was five years ago, and to be fair the majority of the council are positive in their views about it,” she said.
“But you can always do more, and there are some great examples of where it is needed.”
Angela formed Bournemouth Cycling Forum ten years ago in order to work with the council and local businesses to encourage cycling and improve its infrastructure.
“It’s important that we get more people out of their cars, not just as an environmental thing but for the health and wellbeing of us all,” she said.
“It’s proven that if you walk more and cycle more, you’re more healthy.”
Find out more about cycling around Bournemouth
Click here to find out about Dorset Council’s bikeability training courses
Bournemouth Council offers free cycle training for children
