A cyclist who needed five stitches in his chin after being thrown from his saddle by a pothole has said Manchester’s roads aren’t fit for bike-riders.

Joseph Berry, 52, was riding home from work when he cycled over a pothole on Bessemer Street, Openshaw, on Wednesday.

He was left needing stitches in his chin and above his eye following the incident and will now be left with permanent scarring.

Joseph said he is now considering legal action against Manchester council and that cyclists are having to navigate dangerous roads every day - despite recent investment in the city’s cycle network.

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Joseph said: “I’m really angry I’ve been left injured because the roads aren’t fit for purpose.

“I’ve nearly come off a few times before and there must be cyclists suffering injuries left, right and centre.

“I’ve been in touch with my solicitor because I don’t think it’s right. We all pay our taxes and we’re all being encouraged to get on our bikes but the roads make it so dangerous.

“It’s all well and good spending money on these new cycle routes but people need to be able to use their bikes on the streets where they live and at the moment that isn’t the case.”

A £20m scheme is underway to create a new 60km network of cycle routes across Greater Manchester.

The routes will include several major ‘spokes’ running from Manchester city centre into suburban areas.

Greater Manchester’s 10 councils will get £146,000 from central government to fix potholes over the next six years - but campaigners have said it is not enough to bring highways up to standard for cyclists.

Graeme Sherriff, Manchester Friends of the Earth transport campaign co-ordinator, said: “There is a desperate need to fix the potholes in Greater Manchester. They are dangerous for all road users, including those cycling and walking.

“We’re pleased to see some money made available to tackle the problem, but indications are that the amount is insufficient given the backlog after years of underinvestment.”

But Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said the cash, which totals £625m in the north west, was enough to fix millions of potholes in the region.