A veteran cycling coach has said problems with existing cycle lanes in Medway need to be resolved before the government builds new ones.

The Department for Transport has announced plans to invest £200 million in cycle lanes and infrastructure to encourage more people to cycle, following Chris Froome’s victory at the Tour de France last weekend.

Wigmore Cycling Club coach, Clin Maisey, 77, from Haig Avenue, Rochester, said: “I think cycle lanes are good if they are done properly.

“They have to be a certain width to be official lanes and a different colour.

“People just park over them anyway. They become useless unless they put a sign up saying no parking.

“I like to see the cycling lane signs, even if they are not official, so it makes motorists aware.”

Fears over the safety of cyclists and the lack of provision for cycling in the Towns have been raised in the past.

Only last Friday a cyclist suffered leg injuries and was taken to Medway hospital after being hit by a car in Star Hill, Rochester.

Mr Maisey added that any cycle lanes needed to be physically appropriate for less serious riders, primarily avoiding hills.

“People will start cycling if we have got a fully flat area,” he said.

“People are not going to start cycling up Blue Bell Hill and to Maidstone if they haven’t built up their fitness levels.”

The government hopes road regulation updates will encourage more tourism, boost the economy, and give people across the country a chance to experience the buzz of world-class sport in their area.

Mr Maisey said: “There may be a bigger increase in the next couple of months now the Tour has finished and the summer holidays have started.

“We run a kids club on a Saturday throughout the summer.

“I would have thought more people will take an interest and get around to joining their local club.”

To find out more about Wigmore Cycling Club, or to join, visit www.wigmorecyclingclub.org.uk.