An MP has supported a public petition to stop ‘dangerous’ time trial cycling on one of the busiest routes out of Uttoxeter, saying "cyclists have brought the petition on themselves."

Amanda Brooks begun the petition after she was a witness to a crash between a cyclist and an HGV on the A50. She is asking other local residents to help her approach the Department for Transport to stop the use of the road for racing.

Concerned Uttoxeter resident Amanda Brooks, of Drovers Close, who was witness to a horrifying crash between a cyclist and a HGV is lobbying the Department of Transport in a bid to stop cyclists using the A50 for competition races.

The petition now has 90 signatures, still far short of the 100,000 that might create the chance for a debate in the House of Commons.

MP Andrew Griffiths told the Uttoxeter News: “I can completely understand why residents want to start this petition against the cycling time trials. We’ve seen deaths on the A50 and I’ve seen myself near misses.

“I think unfortunately cyclists have brought the petition it on themselves. Many time trials aren’t well run and aren’t signposted. Safety measures aren’t in place and unless cyclists start taking it more seriously these calls for cyclists to be banned will only continue.

“It would be a shame for cyclists but they desperately need to do something to protect themselves from other road users.

“One option would be to put warnings and signs at every junction.

“You can get onto the A50 and before you know it there is a cyclist right in front of you.”

Campaign leader Ms Brooks said: “I’m pleased that it’s raising such awareness and it’s making people think about the risks and discuss solutions such as better signage for motorists as this has clearly been inadequate during recent time trials.

“Cyclists have commented saying they are bemused as to why fellow riders would seek time trials on the A50, so it isn’t just motorists that find this dangerous.

“The petition will not only raise awareness but clearly bring to light the conversations that need to be had to make these time trials safer for both cyclists and motorists alike.

“I just hope we get enough signatures to get something done about the way cycle events are held on the A50 in future.

“Two years ago I witnessed a cyclist get struck by a HGV. As a witness, the police kept me informed and the cyclist died leaving behind his wife and children.

“The driver was given a driving ban losing his livelihood.

“Each year that the cycle competition is on the A50 it brings back those memories and its terrifying watching drivers overtake them.”

The petition reads:

Stop cyclists using the A50 (bypassing Uttoxeter) for competition races. 2 years ago a HGV took down a cyclist which led to the cyclists death and the driver sentenced, I'm sure this is not the first or last time you'll hear similar incidents involving cyclists on main roads. Cyclists struggle to cycle in straight lines when extremely tired in competitions and tend to vier all over the dual carriageway where heavy traffic is travelling at 70mph. Cyclists don't stand a chance with their minimal protection from a potentially fatal RTA. General traffic end up having near miss accidents when trying to avoid them too. There is a perfectly good cycle path away from the A50 dual carriageway so alter the competition route for everyone's safety. Cyclists on dual carriageways should be banned unless the routes are closed off which would cause chaos on this particular road. So please sign this petition to ban cyclist from the A50 dual carriageway (Derbys/Staffs) which will help to save lives!

Please note: This article was amended on 27 July 2017 to clarify comments made by Andrew Griffiths MP in an interview with the Uttoxeter News in 2014.