MP backs Little Melton road safety campaign

School children Freya Judkins, Isabel Sparks and Ben Bailey show Richard Bacon MP how dangerous it is for them to cycle

Planners and developers have been urged to "think bike" as a Norfolk MP backed a village campaign to improve cycle links.

South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon yesterday discovered for himself the difficulties cyclists face when trying to bike between Hethersett, Little Melton and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, the research park and the University of East Anglia.

A campaign, kick-started by Little Melton Primary School pupils, has been launched for a cycle path to be built between the areas to make it easier for cyclists.

At the moment, cyclists have to cross the busy A47 via a pedestrian crossing between Little Melton and Colney.

Mr Bacon said: "The plain fact is that when new developments are planned, not enough thought is given to the needs of cyclists from the outset.

"That area is going to face at least 1,000 new homes under the greater Norwich development plan. We just don't take cycling seriously enough, early enough in our planning.

"It really is a case of 'think bike' and if you are a planner or developer then put the needs of cyclists much higher in your order of priorities."

The campaign first got under way after the school council, made up of youngsters aged from four to 11, approached the parish council in February this year, saying they wanted a safer cycling route to Hethersett for when they move up to the high school.

The parish council took their views on board and has since sent out a survey to householders who responded with their preferred routes for a cycle path.

Richard Bearman, a Green Party county councillor who joined Mr Bacon on a visit to the site yesterday, said: "A high quality cycle link between Hethersett, Little Melton and the working areas of the research park and the UEA would benefit many cyclists."

To find out more about the campaign and possible routes, go to www.little-melton.org.uk and click on "Cycle Path".