After the winter we’ve had, potholes are now a big problem for all cyclists, and fixing many of the damaged roads is proving to be a slow process. Step forward Sir Chris Hoy, who is supporting Aggregate Industries’ campaign for better long term road maintenance.

“A lot of people lack the confidence to ride their bikes in and around urban areas, not just because of the traffic but because of poor road surfaces,“ said Hoy, who was in Manchester today visiting some of the worst pothole sites in the city.

He added: “Aggregate Industries is looking at not just the short term problem with potholes, but raising awareness of the need to improve road surfaces long term. This in turn will make it safer and give cyclists more confidence. The more people we can get on bikes the better, meaning less congestion, improving health and fitness and many other spin offs. If you spot a pothole, get in touch with your local authority or visit www.fillthathole.org.uk.”

There is currently a £1billion shortfall in road maintenance budgets across England and Wales. Last year, 1.4 million potholes were reported across England and Wales and while £100million has been spent on repairs so far, this has only involved patching.

Aggregate Industries is championing a new approach to planning, design, materials and ongoing maintenance. Alistair Darling’s £100m pledge to filling potholes in the latest budget is nowhere near the estimated £9.5billion needed to bring the country’s roads up to standard.

Mike Archer, national contracting director at Aggregate Industries’ Bardon Contracting business said: “The state of our roads is countering the many current initiatives to get more people onto bikes. Whether this is cycling to work or school, cycling for fun, keeping fit, or even cycling professionally, until there is a better environment for cyclists, many people will simply be deterred from riding a bike. We want to encourage cyclists and would be cyclists to help us get more funds diverted to road maintenance. ”