A campaign group has been set up in an effort to make a busy route onto the Island safer for cyclists and motorists to use together.

As reported last December, Helen Knell called for improvements to be made to Lower Road, Minster, after she was nearly knocked off her bike when her handlebar was clipped by the mirror of a car as it overtook her between Cowstead Corner roundabout and Barton Hill Drive.

She said the road is the only option for people travelling between the east end of the Island and the mainland on two wheels but it is not wide enough to support both vehicles and bikes.

A number of residents got in touch with her and they have banded together to lobby politicians for action to be taken.

They want to see better provision on Lower Road as a top priority but feel there is a need for a cycling strategy across the whole Island.

The group also agreed any changes would need to be part of a general investment plan for the road and they want to see improvements made for motorists and also a path for pedestrians looking to get to Neats Court, Queenborough.

Dru Hopkins has been appointed as secretary of Lower Road Campaign Group, Sue Laidlay is its treasurer while Ben Jarrett is managing its website – lowerroad.co.uk – where members of the public can sign a petition.

Chairman Mrs Knell will be speaking at a Swale Joint Transportation Board meeting on March 9, which Ruth Goudie, author of the Swale’s cycling strategy, will also be attending.

The group is also supported by Dick Calvert, chairman of the Swale Cyclist Touring Club, while county councillor Roger Truelove (Lab) has given advice on political lobbying.