A CYCLING group is campaigning for more cycle-friendly facilities following the death of a Bolton school teacher.

The Bolton Cycle Forum has handed over a petition to Bolton Council to improve Bolton's roads with more cycle lanes.

It also wants more bicycle stands to encourage people to cycle to work or school to combat obesity.

The group decided to launch the campaign after 44-year-old David Kerslake, head of science at Sharples School, was killed as he cycled home from school during National Bike Week.

Mr Kerslake died on June 14 after a collision with a car in Crompton Way, Tonge Fold, while cycling home to Radcliffe.

He left a wife, Jacquie, and a three-year-old daughter, Lydia Niamh.

More than 70 people signed the petition and stood for a minute's silence before taking part in a 14-mile bike ride from Bolton Town Hall to Rivington, using cycle lanes most of the way.

Vice-chairman of the group, Neil Taylor, said: "Over the past few years, things have improved a lot for cyclists in Bolton.

"We have cycle lanes and suitable places to park in some parts of Bolton but we want to make sure that the council keeps on the right track.

"We want to encourage more people to get on a bike and get fit because cycling, along with walking, is the most important thing you can do to improve your health."

The Government has said the number of people who cycle to school or work needs to increase four-fold to meet targets to tackle obesity by 2012.

The next meeting of the Bolton Cycle Forum is on Wednesday at 5.30pm in the town hall's ante room North.