A CYCLIST dad is calling for more to be done after being left "terrified" riding in Southampton with his children.

Cyclists across the city have spoken out following sentencing last week of a drug driver who killed a cyclist in Hill Lane.

They are now calling for barriers, coloured pavements and off-road cycle lanes to be created in an effort to keep cyclists safe.  

READ MORE: Drug driver ploughed into cyclist seconds after using phone in Southampton

Improvements to the cycle lane along Hill Lane are being made next week.

But cyclists are concerned that changes won't be enough to protect those riding next to the roads. 

Among those concerned is Olly Killick, 41, from Shirley. He started cycling at 38 but is now hesitant to cycle the roads with his children nine-year-old Lana, and Caleb, six.

He said: "I have to think about the route when I am with my kids, whereas when I am on my own I can just hop on my bike and go.

"But with my six and nine-year-old we have to go on and off the pavement because of the cars.

"Trying to cycle around Southampton with my kids is absolutely terrifying. Most drivers are good but some are plain dangerous.

"They can whip down the road. I have had some close passes and for me, as a confident biker I'm not too intimidated but for people that aren't I understand the hesitancy to cycle.

"The government and council need to do more to provide safe, protected infrastructure, and quickly."

This comes after Southampton City Council announced new walking and cycling improvements for Swaythling.

The scheme boasts new traffic calming measures for safer travel. 

Councillor Eamonn Keogh, Cabinet Member for Transport and District Regeneration said the scheme "will make the area safer for everyone.”

He added that improvements will give residents the "confidence" to cycle.

When asked about cyclists' criticisms, Cllr Keogh told the Echo: "We are committed to cycle safety through our Local Transport plan by developing our cycling infrastructure and through our education programmes like the My Journey cycling skills sessions to make sure that people cycling in our city can do so safely.”

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