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'Pothole dangers for motorcyclists appalling'

Paul FaulknerLocal Democracy Reporting Service
Matthew Lynch A pothole in the shape of a long line and next to another pothole of a circular shape on the same road.Matthew Lynch
Councillor Matthew Lynch took this image of a pothole on the A674 Chorley Road

A motorbike-riding councillor from Chorley has warned the number of potholes on Lancashire's roads is putting the lives of two-wheeled travellers at risk.

Matthew Lynch said riders were uniquely vulnerable to crumbling carriageways and the depth of many of their defects in ways which other road users were not.

"Motorcyclists know every time you go out you've got to have your wits about you," he said, adding: "But now it's like I'm just focusing on the road. You're weaving in and out and it's often really bad when you're turning into corners."

Lancashire County Council said all reported potholes were assessed and "those presenting the greatest safety concern" were "prioritised".

Speaking about his own experiences as a motorcyclist, Lynch said: "You go in, you're leaning over and what happens if it's a pothole around the other side? Bang, you're off."

He added it was difficult enough during the day when they were visible, "but what about at night-time when all of a sudden you're hitting something".

Lynch said he feared somebody would be killed if the situation did not improve.

He said the problem was particularly acute around Rivington, a part of the county home to some of the North West's most popular routes for bike riders.

Geograph/philandju Wild grass grows infront of a gritstone wall with bushes on gentle hills behind. Clouds are scattered across the blue sky.Geograph/philandju
The countryside around Rivington has become a popular spot for walkers and bikers

The Labour councillor, who represents the Chorley North West ward, said the contrast on his regular journeys into the separate Blackburn with Darwen Council area was stark.

"They've done their side and it's beautiful," he said.

However, he believed nearby areas under the responsibility of Lancashire County Council were "appalling".

A spokesperson for the authority said: "We know people are frustrated by the number of potholes after one of the wettest winters on record, which has caused widespread damage to road surfaces."

They said all reported potholes were assessed and "those presenting the greatest safety concern are prioritised within our standard response times".

They said they were "focusing on five day and 20 day repairs" to "ensure response times are clear, realistic and applied consistently across the network".

The county council expects to spend at least £28m fixing potholes that appear during the course of the 2026-27 financial year.

A further £21m has been set aside for pre-planned resurfacing projects across more than 100 routes selected for ordinary maintenance, the council said.

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