MORE must be done to keep cyclists safe and encourage people onto two wheels, Oxford East MP Andrew Smith told the Commons.

The Labour MP said city infrastructure is “patchy” with lanes and clearly marked routes in some areas but “dangerous sections of road, poor road surfaces and potholes close to the kerb” in others.

He said: “The need to join up the cycle network is pressing, so people’s journeys can be made safely by bike right across the city.”

Oxford’s 20mph limits are not enforced enough and HGVs must fit sensors to cut collisions, he said.

Mr Smith added: “Roads and pavements are being rebuilt and a dedicated cycle lane could be added for only a fractional increase in cost.”

Conservative Rodney Rose, responsible for roads at Oxfordshire County Council, said bosses are “up to date” on major potholes.

He added: “There is a case to be made for looking where you are going.

“You can’t go along expecting there not to be potholes.”