THE death of cyclist Julie Sheppard on a busy road close to the Great Western Hospital has sparked renewed calls for more cycle paths.
Mrs Sheppard, 28, from Liden, was cycling to work at 6.30am on March 21 when she was struck by a car at the pedestrian crossing on Marlborough Road.
Swindon Council pledged to spend an extra £640,000 on cycle paths at a recent meeting.
Coun Anne Baxter (LibDem, Eastcott) said the tragedy highlighted the need for paths where cyclists could travel in safety. She added: "I definitely welcome the new cycle lane plans, because at the moment cyclists are forced to cycle on some very busy roads.
"I cycle a lot and I have taught all my grandchildren to cycle, but there are places where we just cannot go because the roads are just too busy."
When the Great Western Hospital was built, the council tried to make up for its shortage of parking spaces by encouraging more people to cycle to work, but the cycle path out to Commonhead has yet to be completed.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article