Cyclist calls for 20mph speed limit on residential roads

The head of the Maidenhead Cyclists Action Group has called for 20mph speed limits to be introduced on all residential roads across the Royal Borough.

David Layzell, chairman of the group for more than 10 years, believes such an enforcement would not only make the roads safer for cyclists but also encourage more people to get on their bike.

The 79-year-old said: "The deaths and injuries to cyclists in this country is outrageous. It is a massive cost to this country and I think this would definitely help."

Mr Layzell, of Lee Lane, is urging the council to follow other areas of the country, including some London Boroughs, where similar speed limits have already been introduced.

He believes high numbers of drivers travel at 40mph in 30mph roads and speed enforcement is rarely carried out in residential areas by the authorities.

"If you put in a 20mph limit that stops people rat-running and they will not use the residential roads," he added.

The Maidenhead action group consists of about 10 members and meet four times a year.

Cllr Phil Bicknell, Royal Borough cabinet member for highways, transport and environment, disagreed with Mr Layzell's proposal.

"In my opinion it would not be enforceable and the fact is that most cyclists are using cycle paths," he said.

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