Let's make our city a place that is cycle-friendly

Almost totally flat with a good network of roads giving plenty of options for routes.

And the glorious seafront and common to enjoy at Southsea.

But, as we have previously reported, that is not exactly how it is.

Cyclists’ groups have long said that the city’s streets are too dangerous and more should be done to help that situation improve.

And that view is born out by the shocking statistics we bring you today.

They show that Portsmouth, far from being the cyclist’s friend, is the most dangerous place outside London in which to ride.

According to the statistics, in 2011 there were nearly double the number of injuries to cyclists here than in Southampton.

We can only echo Jon Spencer of Portsmouth Cycle Forum who said: ‘The figures speak for themselves, the roads are too dangerous.’

That much is clear.

City MP Flick Drummond talks about the importance of focusing on safety.

Whether that’s through cycle lanes or simply more awareness, it’s a message that needs to get through.

All of this comes in the same week we revealed Friends of the Earth’s ambitious plan to turn Portsmouth into a ‘walking city’.

It’s hard to argue against the idea – get people out of their cars, getting fitter and clearing congestion.

This idea was also backed by cyclists, who said it would encourage a conversation about who gets what space on the road.

We can only hope that Friends of the Earth’s plan along with these sobering statistics come together to make a difference and soon. One more injured cyclist is one too many.