Calls for safer cycling routes after death of 16-year-old on major road

A COUNCIL has confirmed it will work with relevant authorities to establish whether measures need to be taken over an area that has become an accident blackspot in recent weeks.

Calls have been made to review the safety of a major South Wales road following two serious traffic collisions involving cyclists – one of which was fatal – within the space of a few weeks.

A safety review of Newport’s Southern Distributor Road (SDR) has been backed by senior councillors following the death last month of Joshua Fletcher, 16, from Newport.

A second incident involving a 14-year-old boy in November prompted his family to urge people to be more vigilant when using the road.

Christine Boston, director of walking and cycling charity Sustrans Cymru, said: “This demonstrates the need for rapid change that makes it safe for people to walk and cycle, and a real commitment from our leaders to make a change.”

Shortly after Joshua’s death, Lliswerry resident Paul Flynn wrote to the leader of Newport council, Gwent Police’s chief constable, and local MPs, urging them to review the safety of the road on both sides of the bridge.

Mr Flynn called on leaders to join together to review accident statistics on the route and whether action can be taken to make the road safer.

“The road is so dangerous, you would think that after young Josh dying a few weeks ago people would be more careful,” said Christine Gulliford, mother of 14-year-old Codi Gulliford who was involved in the latest incident, speaking on the day of her son’s collision.

Ms Gulliford called for people to take more precautions when using the stretch of road where her son came off his bike.

“I just want people to open the eyes they have been given and just be more vigilant and more careful,” she said.

She added: “How many more people have to be hurt before anything is done?”

A spokesperson for Newport City Council said: “We have a number of projects to further enhance safe cycling and walking routes across the city as part of our active travel programme and want to develop these further to join up the network.

“The police will conduct a thorough investigation into the recent incidents on the SDR.

“We and the road operator will support them fully in that process.

“When the investigation and legal processes have concluded, the council will work with the police to establish if any further measures need to be considered.”