A petition has been launched demanding more cycling routes around Wimbledon Common.
In particular the online petition, set up just at the end of 2013, focusses on Parkside, Cannizaro Rd and routes over Wimbledon Common.
Petition author Richard Walters, said: "We need more routes to be created for considerate, leisurely cycling for everyone in the community, and in particular for families, seniors and women, so that everyone can enjoy the Common on two wheels."
Mr Walters, a trainee civil engineer from Raynes Park, launched the petition because of his own frightening experiences cycling around Merton with his wife.
He said: "On the Wimbledon Parkside road we have to cycle on a busy road because you are not allowed to cycle on the pathway on the Common. When I cycle with my wife I am scared she will get run over on that road. It’s very scary."
The petition also calls for a new cycle track alongside Cannizaro Rd, a narrow, busy road flanked by 'No cycling' signs and through Wimbledon Common, where cycling routes are scarce.
Merton Council is one of eight London boroughs shortlisted by the Mayor of London to become a "Mini Holland" with a pedestrianised town centre a network of cycle routes and bike hire schemes planned across the borough.
The winner will be announced in February.
Campaigners would like to see the new routes around the Common included in the Mini Holland bid.
The petition points out that whereas in continental Europe where up to a third of all trips are done by bicycle, only two per cent of journeys in Merton are done by bike.
Mr Walters hopes to get 500 signatures before he takes the petition to the council.
He has also launched a petition calling for a cycling path alongside Kingston Rd, the main link between Wimbledon Park and Raynes Park on the south side of the railway.
Mr Walters said: "Whilst the cycle track along the Chase, and the streets around Dundonald Park, are very good, cyclists find themselves suddenly on the busy Kingston Rd, which has narrow advisory cycle lanes and wide motor vehicle lanes.
"This results in vehicles brushing past bicycles, often at speeds exceeding 30mph, and a generally hostile cycling and walking environment."
To sign the petition, visit: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/open-up-more-cycling-routes-on-wimbledon-common.
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