A Lewisham councillor has questioned whether “middle class, white male” cyclists have undue influence on road policy.

Speaking at an overview and scrutiny education and business panel, Cllr Luke Sorba said the emphasis given to cycling in council strategy was out of proportion with the number of people in the borough who cycle.

According to the council’s 2017 cycling strategy, 18,391 Lewisham residents made a daily cycle trip in 2013 to 2015. This is an increase from 11,738 in 2010 to 2012.

Mr Sorba said he believed there were issues in the amount of road space allocated to cyclists, and was concerned with the influence of the cycling lobby.

“Our strategy should not be over-influenced by the powerful cycling lobby, which I believe to be demographically skewed towards middle class, white male and within a certain age and if we did an equalities assessment that would be my view borne out,” he told the panel.

“If you look at the amount of users on the road, the amount of space on the road being dedicated to cyclists is out of proportion with the numbers who cycle.

“With all the benefits of cycling, there is a ceiling to how many of my constituents will ever get on a bicycle to commute.

“For some it’s a question of fitness or weight, for some it’s they’re carrying shopping or children, some are disabled, some are too old and for many others it is actually a question of dignity – which I think is something to be considered.

“Some people feel embarrassed, some people can’t cycle and feel embarrassed about clothes you are required to make cycling feasible. Some are concerned about the state you will be in by the end of your journey.

“The emphasis we are going to take to make our road safe, will it account for the fact that just taking more and road space and making it just for cyclists is, for me, just a partial part to the solution?”

Lewisham Council officer Simon Moss said bus transport was also an important focus of the council.

Responding to Mr Sorba’s comments on Twitter, people were concerned the councillor’s comments misconstrued cycling issues.

User Alex Raha commented: “An apparent socialist should recognise that safe cycling is a social justice issue. The same one which he supported when the council adopted the draft cycle strategy out forward by Lewisham Cyclists. Misguided and ill-informed comments.”

Another user said: “Really unfortunate that he should make this inference. The reason few people cycle, particularly younger, older and female demographic is precisely because there is a lack of decent cycling infrastructure. Transport policy should always prioritise cycling and walking.”

Lewisham Cyclists invited Mr Sorba to a family ride event.

“Yes. Come on one of our family rides. Meet our riders. You can play spot the white middle class male,” they wrote.