This is Hampshire.net: A little bit of space is all we cyclists ask for…

(Read Comments to this story) After more than 50 years of cycling on Southampton’s roads, Mary Field knows exactly what is needed to improve road safety - a little more space from drivers. Mary, who lives near Southampton Common, spoke out after the Daily Echo highlighted how calls are being made for the city to follow Edinburgh’s lead by banning cyclists from busy routes. The piano teacher believes that on roads without cycle lanes, motorists should leave more space between their vehicles and the kerb.

Mary, 69, said: “It is not so much of a problem on roads where there are cycle lanes marked. However, most roads without cycle lanes are wide enough for drivers to leave more room. “On the whole, though, drivers are always very kind to me and beckon me through.”The family of Jordan Wickington, 19, who died after his bicycle was hit by a car at the junction of Mountbatten Way and West Quay Road earlier this year, has supported a ban on cyclists using the route.

However, Miss Field said she did not believe cyclists should be banned from roads, and that improving cycle paths should be made a top priority instead.

“Some cycle paths, like the ones on Hill Lane in Southampton, seem to stop and start so quickly it’s as if whoever painted them ran out of paint.”

Despite a near accident ten years ago, Mary is in no hurry to stop pedalling.

She cycles an average of eight miles every day, and some days cycles as far as 15 miles.

“Thanks to cycling, I think I’m in very good health. I used to have more aches and pains as a teenager than I do now.

“My main reason for cycling, apart from keeping healthy and fit, is the views you get.

“I’ve been painting for years and I love looking at the scenery. Sometimes I don’t want to go home. I could just go on cycling.”

It is not just cyclists motorists have to keep an eye out for.

Retired sheltered housing manager Margaret Gilbert, 67, of Southampton, spotted one woman on rollerblades during the morning rush hour in Castle Street, Southampton.

She said: “I was flabbergasted. The buses in the road were having real difficulty moving on.”

Do you know who the mystery rollerskater is? Ring Clare Kennedy at the Daily Echo on 023 8042 4500.