TWO stretches of road in Bournemouth have been given government cash to make them safer for cyclists.

Richmond Hill roundabout will get £180,000 worth of improvements, while the Christchurch Road junction with Holdenhurst Avenue in Pokesdown will receive £161,000.

Both projects are being funded by a split of government cash and money from Bournemouth Borough Council.

Details of what will be done at the sites will now be worked on.

Cllr Michael Filer, cabinet member for transport, said: “Bournemouth means business as far as cycling is concerned and we are delighted the government is backing us in making the town a safer place for cyclists.

“This additional funding for specific sites will complement the recently-launched Getting About initiative, which aims to make cycling safer and encourage more people to travel by bike – from on-the-ground improvements such as additional cycle lanes, crossings and traffic calming measures, to cycle training for children and adults.

“In the long term it’s important that we create an environment which encourages all road users to travel in a safe and respectful manner towards each other.

“Officers will now start to work on detailed designs for both schemes.”

The areas have been chosen by a panel led by transport charity Sustrans.

It is part of a £40 million nationwide scheme to improve routes and junctions that are currently a danger to cyclists.

Transport minister Norman Baker announced the plans and the schemes will be completed within the next year.

Mr Baker said: “Cycling is healthy and reduces congestion so it is welcome news that more and more people are taking to two wheels.

“Ensuring this funding is targeted where improvements will make a real difference to cyclists is just one way we are ensuring this trend continues.

“This is part of the £107 million investment we have announced in cycling infrastructure over the last year, over and above the £600m we have invested through the Local Sustainable Transport Fund.”

Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond added: “Keeping people safe on our roads is of paramount importance to me. This money will enable local authorities to put in place well-targeted measures to protect cyclists across the country.”