CONCERNED residents are calling for a cycle path after a spate of near-misses on the pavement in front of their cottages.
Zena Walker believes it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured in a collision.
And she says others who live in her row of 16 cottages in West Parade, off Leads Road in Sutton, east Hull, share her concerns.
Mrs Walker, who has lived in her cottage for 26 years, says she cannot blame cyclists and pensioners on scooters for wanting to avoid the road during busy times.
But she believes Hull City Council has a duty of care to keep all parties safe.
Mrs Walker said: "Some cyclists whiz past our front doors at break-neck speed.
"It's worse for those of us who live in the cottages, because we have no driveway or front garden.
"Literally, when you walk out of your front door you can be straight in the path of a cycle or scooter."
Mrs Walker has canvassed the opinion of her neighbours, many of whom, she claims, back her.
"One gentleman said he was actually hit by a cycle," she said
"Others have told me that they share the same concerns as I have.
"Something really ought to be done. I don't blame them for wanting to get off the road – I wouldn't want to cycle along Leads Road. That's why I believe a cycle path is the best option for everyone.
"There's a grass verge next to the road that could be turned into a path for cyclists."
Mrs Walker said she has seen all types of cyclists, from children and commuters through to the more serious sportsmen and women riding on the pavement illegally.
Warm weather and the run-up to Sky Ride Hull – a series of free cycling events – has made the problem even worse, says Mrs Walker.
"Unless something is done, there will be an accident here," she said. "But it could be prevented."
Residents who have challenged both cyclists and the elderly on mobility scooters have been verbally abused, claims Mrs Walker.
"I got a gob-full," she said. "And that was from a pensioner."
Ian Overton, manager of Jobes Cycles in Holderness Road, east Hull, welcomed Mrs Walker's suggestion.
He said: "At times, it can be safer for cyclists to use pavements, because certain roads can be like the Whacky Races at times.
"But when you have to use the pavements, you need to take it steady.
"Cycle paths are a good idea, but you still have to be careful of cars.
"A year or so ago, a cycle path was put in Ings Road. As a cyclist, that road was frightening. It's a lot safer now."
Mrs Walker has raised the issue with her local ward councillor, Dave Craker, and she also intends to discuss her suggestion for a cycle path with Hull East MP Karl Turner at his next surgery.
Cllr Craker said: "Mrs Walker has a valid point. It must be horrendous for people living down there.
"I have asked council officers to produce a feasibility report for a cycle path."
A Hull City Council spokesman said: "For any enhancements on the highways to be considered, they must be raised with local councillors, who will then seek professional advice from the council's Highways team as to the feasibility of the work.
"If the work is deemed practical, any decision on spending would need to be balanced against other needs within the ward."
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