CYCLISTS want clearer markings on Southend’s new cycle path after a rider fractured his elbow as he tried to avoid a young girl who wandered into his path.

Glen Gardner, 20, of Castle Close, Shoebury, also sprained his wrist and fingers when he was forced to slam on his brakes, and flew over the handlebars.

He still hit the girl, who was left shaken but not hurt.

Mr Gardner was out training for the Southend Bikeathon with his brother Scott, 25, also of Castle Close, Shoebury, and friend Tim Ballantine, 25, of Raphael Drive, Shoebury.

Mr Ballantine said: “We were coming back from Hadleigh on the cycle path on Western Esplanade when the little girl walked in front of us.

“Glen broke as hard as he could, but she still took a tumble and Glen went over the bars.

“He put his arm out and it took the brunt of the fall. The girl was more shocked than anything.”

Mr Ballantine believes the council must act now before someone is badly injured.

He added: “We go cycling every day and every day, without fail, someone walks out in front of us.

“The cycle lane is not so bad in Eastern Esplanade, where there are bushes and kerbs along the path, but on the other side of the pier it is not clear where the cycle lane is and people just wander on to it without looking.

“Someone is going to get seriously hurt soon.

“Even a painted line would help, so people can see it more clearly.”

As an official cycle town, the council has been busy extending and upgrading its network of cycle paths with a Government grant of £3.2million.

The path from the western side of the pier through to Chalkwell was opened earlier this year.

Mark Flewitt, councillor responsible for transport and planning, said: “I can’t accept liability on behalf of the council for any accident that happens on the cycle lane. But I am happy to investigate matters that come to my attention.”