A city councillor has called for the county to introduce a cycle hub, following the example set by Shropshire.

Worcester City councillor Karen Lawrance has voiced her support for the idea, which was launched in Shropshire last year.

The Cycle Hub is a community charity focused on improving access to cycling and has the aim of increasing the number of journeys taken by bike five-fold by 2025.

Cllr Lawrance said: “A cycle hub for Worcester/Worcestershire would promote cycling for all abilities and ages. A community group they would form a support network to encourage people to take up cycling by sharing ideas and resolving issues.”

The Lib Dem councillor has recently begun joining in with the Critical Mass cycles that take place across the city, with the next planned for October 16.

She added: “I see cycling as the future for sustainable transport in combination with good quality public transport and/ or vehicles. I use my bike for local, personal journeys and I think it makes me a better Councillor as I can see things which need resolving about my bike, in a car I am moving faster and don't see as much.

“A lot more could be done to increase cyclability. We need better lit, safer routes for children to reach their schools, and for adults to gain confidence if they are new or recently returning to cycling. The more people who cycle the better the air quality will be leading to a healthier and fitter society.”

Volunteers of the charity have recycled more than 700 bikes, which otherwise would have gone to a landfill, as well as providing services such as the Donnington Everyday Cycling Project, free rickshaw rides, bike buddy rides and a bike doctor.

In a tweet, councillor Lawrance asked campaign group, Bike Worcester, to apply for a grant in order to provide training on road safety for “lockdown cyclists” as well as calling for a more bike parking in the city.

She added: “I have expressed concern for new lockdown cyclists before. It's not difficult as a motorist to notice a nervous or unsteady rider. Be kind give them more space.”

She added: “The cycle parking at Crowngate is a positive boon as it's secure and dry with some basic tools available, but space is limited and if you approach from the south of the city you have to negotiate the High Street to get there. We need another similar scheme near the Cathedral area.”