A MAN is calling for a cycle lane kerb to be made safer after his elderly wife tripped and broke her hip.

Ronald Colman says the very low kerb is often not spotted by people trying to cross the cycle lane on Western Esplanade in Westcliff.

His 81-year-old wife, Frances, tripped as she crossed the cycle lane on November 16. The accident stopped the traffic as people rushed to help her. Two good Samaritans carried her to her nearby home and an ambulance was called.

Mr Colman, 82, of Manor Road, Westcliff, said: “My wife was trying to cross the cycle lane and fell heavily after tripping on the kerb.

The traffic all came to a halt and two kind ladies carried her home.

“I called an ambulance and she was taken to A&E and later had an operation.

The hospital sent her home, but she had to be readmitted because she was still in so much pain.

She can’t stand or walk and is seriously ill. That kerb is very dangerous. I’ve seen many people trip and have helped lots of people up.

These are dangerous.”

A cycle lane in Eastern Esplanade has much deeper kerbs, which are more visible to pedestrians.

Mr Colman added: “I have sat having coffee on the seafront in Westcliff and have seen many people trip over and it’s not all elderly people. The council really needs to do something about it.”

Martin Terry, councillor responsible for public protection, waste and transport, said: “We are very sorry to hear about the accident, and wish Mrs Colman a speedy recovery.

“This stretch of road is part of a hybrid cycle lane, marked by a kerb with a contrasting colour to the carriageway.

“The cycle lane has a green surface with a white line on one side and a double yellow line on the other which also further helps it to stand out.

“We have no plans to raise the kerb. Generally kerbs range from 6mm to 150mm in height, with many around 50mm high – similar to this location.”