CYCLISTS should be forced to take driving- style tests and barriers to slow them down should never be removed.

Warndon North parish councillor Ted Holloway wants cyclists to face the same rigorous standards as motorists to make Worcester a safer place for pedestrians.

Mr Holloway, aged 66, of Barass Avenue, Lyppard Habington, Warndon Villages, is also angry that barriers or gateways on cycleways may be ripped up to make it easier for cyclists to get through.

His concerns were sparked by a meeting of the Worcester Integrated Transport Members Sem-inar at County Hall, Worcester, when removing some of the barriers was one of the talking points.

Mr Holloway told a meeting of Warndon Parish Council: "You can't take them away. It's as simple as that. I really think they need to rethink this. They say it's difficult for cyclists to get through them. Of course it is. That's the whole point of them. I think cyclists should be licensed and made to take a test.

"The barriers are a visible testament to the council's recognition of its duty of care. Take them away and this duty does not go away.

"From a legal standpoint, anyone having an accident that can be attributed to the absence of the barrier may have a case against the authority."

The meeting was led by Travelwise, a travel consultancy which works in partnership with Worces-ter City Council and Worcestershire County Council.

A spokesman for the county council confirmed there had been a cycle strategy review in March. Cyclists had been consulted on how cycleways could be improved and some of them had raised concerns.

He said: "Cyclists said these gates slow them down and they have to get off their bikes every 30 seconds and they may as well walk or drive. There is also a separate issue in making cycleways comply with disability discrimination legislation.

"There are issues with motorised wheelchairs and people with prams experiencing their own difficulties. There is no implication that cyclists go around mowing down pedestrians."

The spokesman said there were no plans to remove all cycle gateways across the city and each gateway would be looked at individually before a decision was reached.

Mike Digger, traffic management adviser to south Worcestershire police, was not aware of the draft proposal.

He said: "If, however, the county council is considering this there is a statutory requirement to consult with the chief constable of West Mercia police. At that point the force will comment on proposals."