The parents of killed cyclist Daniel Squire are backing Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke’s calls to make the A258 safer.

Daniel Squire was 18-years-old when his bike was struck from behind by a van near Ringwould on the Dover to Deal road in 2013.

The incident was one of 228 crashes that has taken place on that busy and often congested stretch since 2003, including more than 100 between 2010 and 2016.

Now Mr Elphicke wants the authorities to look at building a new road to connect Dover and Deal – to ease pressure, reduce journey times and improve safety.

Daniel Squire’s parents, Tracy and Symon, have joined his calls to make the A258 safer.

It is a cause they have backed since the keen triathlete died of his injuries after being struck by a man who was later acquitted of causing his death by dangerous driving.

Mrs Squire said: “There are too many vehicles driving too fast on a road that is not wide enough.

“Daniel was loved by everyone who knew him, and we will never get over what happened.

“But if motorists become more aware of cyclists, if we manage to be part of making a major road in the area safer, his death will not be for nothing.”

Daniel Squire was a keen tri-athlete, securing a place in the Bolton Iron Man shortly before he died.

Mr Squire added: “We were extremely close, working together at London Fancy Box in Dover and training together as members of Deal Tri.

“The road is a nightmare for cyclists, but there aren’t a lot of alternative routes. We really need to try to make it safer in some way.”

Mr Elphicke has long called for safety improvements on the A258. He would like to see a new road built elsewhere, providing a faster route between Dover and Deal and relieving pressure on the existing road.

He said: “Everyone knows the A258 is too busy and too dangerous. It has been that way for years.

“The road is not fit to handle such high levels of traffic. The route must be made safer.

“That’s why we need to seriously consider building a new road to connect Dover and Deal.

“We need to see action on this, before any more serious incidents.”