CYCLISTS say people could be killed if Bromley Council road widening plans near Beckenham Junction station go ahead.

Mark Rose, of Croydon Road, Beckenham, was a regular cyclist in the area before a collision with a bus resulted in him breaking his neck.

It is thought plans to widen a bend where Rectory Road meets Beckenham High Street could result in heavy goods vehicles travelling at higher speeds.

And the 50-year-old, who hasn't cycled since his accident, believes this puts cyclists at risk.

He said: "The one thing that is useful for cyclists is that vehicles on that bend travel through at a reasonable speed.

"Anything that is going to increase the speed of vehicles is going to cause problems for cyclists.

"In a suburban area like that you should be looking to slow vehicles down, with kids crossing roads and things, not speeding them up."

News Shopper:

Rod Reed (above), of Fox Grove Avenue, Beckenham, agrees.

The 54-year-old cyclist said: "A number of heavy goods lorries travel through that bend but instead of trying to slow down the lorries, the plan will allow them to speed up.

"It also means the pavement on one side will need to be narrowed, which may put pedestrians at risk.

"It's one of those things where they might think it looks good on paper, but unless you actually use the junction you don't really have an idea of it.

"There are more cyclists on the road than ever in Bromley.

"Because of what they are doing my main concern is that a cyclist will get severely hurt or possible killed."

Executive councillor for environment Colin Smith said: "The News Shopper have had sight of approximately 50 emails between Mr Reed and myself between October 10 and 23.  

"They therefore have all the relevant facts at their disposal and are well aware that the scheme has been safety audited, understand that average lorry speeds using the junction in its totality could actually drop, rather than increase (apart from on occasions at present when it is completely jammed to a standstill obviously), that it will improve pedestrian safety, reduce journey times and levels of pollution too. 

"What we are actually witnessing here is former Councillor Reed’s latest desperate publicity stunt with the impending local elections now hoving into view. 

"No one should be fooled by it."