World Champion cyclist joins Halesowen crossing calls
Former world champion cyclist Hugh Porter has backed calls to boost safety on a busy dual carriageway in Halesowen outside a club for aspiring athletes.
Campaigners are demanding action to help provide a safe crossing for people visiting Halesowen Athletic and Cycling Club and nearby homes in A456 Manor Way.
Police have already positioned a speed camera and been carrying out regular speed checks on the 40mph stretch of road outside.
It came as a motorcyclist died on the road near the Sandvik plant in June 2013 after an accident.
Mr Porter, who was born and brought up in Wolverhampton and lives in Tettenhall, is well known as the former BBC cycling commentator for 30 years.
And he is also patron of the cycling club which has produced such stars as Olympic cyclist Jess Varnish.
The club want a pedestrian crossing across the busy road as many athletes and cyclists end up stepping over barriers in the central reservation.
Mr Porter, in his letter to Dudley Council, said: "At the moment, access on foot or bicycle into and out of the stadium is severely restricted due to the lack of a pedestrian crossing in Manor Way.
"Should a pedestrian crossing be installed it would provide significant benefits not only to members of my club but also to local residents, users of public transport and to the pupils of Manor Way Primary School who would be able to take advantage of the superb sports facilities available at the club.
"I had the great honour to be the cycling commentator of behalf of the BBC at the London Olympics when Halesowen Cycling Club member, Jess Varnish, competed and I consider a pedestrian crossing would provide a wonderful legacy for our local sports stars of tomorrow. I would urge the local community, including local business to support this project."
Cycling Club road team manager David Viner is hoping to gain the support of businesses and individuals to help towards funding the crossing.
"I think it is fair to say we are as a club working with Dudley Council, who are very positive, to improve access into and out of Manor Abbey Stadium, the will is there, funding is the only issue," he said.
He added: "It is common knowledge that some people take a huge risk by climbing over the central barrier to cross over the road.
"I hope local business people will feel that helping in a modest way towards funding will be a great opportunity to back the local community."
Dudley Council's acting strategic director for economy, environment and housing, John Millar, said: "The council is currently investigating a number of options and funding opportunities to improve pedestrian and cycle access to the Halesowen Athletic & Cycling Club. This includes the possibility of introducing a new pedestrian crossing over the A456. However, detailed plans and consultation can only take place once funding has been identified."
