CYCLING councillors are calling for a York blackspot to be turned into a "magic roundabout" to cut the toll of accidents.

They want the Monkgate roundabout to be transformed in the way the nearby Heworth Green roundabout was a couple of years ago.

The busy Monkgate roundabout is a notoriously dangerous roundabout for cyclists to negotiate, with numerous people knocked from their machines over the years.

Official statistics show that four cyclists were hurt in accidents there last year, with three cycle casualties in 2001.

Major safety improvements at Heworth led to a major improvement in its accident record, leading it to be dubbed the "magic roundabout."

Heworth and Guildhall Labour councillors Viv Kind and Brian Watson say similar work at the Monkgate roundabout could have the same magical effect.

Coun Watson said: "We have seen what a huge effect a well-designed roundabout can have when it comes to reducing accidents.

"The Monkgate roundabout is a problem area, particularly for cyclists, and we would like the lessons learned from Heworth Green to be applied there."

Coun Kind added: "Careful safety design can make negotiating roundabouts easier for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians and Monkgate could certainly benefit from some thoughtful changes."

Ann Reid, City of York Council's executive member for planning and transport, said officers were already investigating how the Monkgate roundabout could be improved.

She said: "Whether it will be what has been done at the magic roundabout I can't say at this stage, but work looking at possible improvements is taking place."

A council spokesman said: "We have been looking to see what we can do, because there are ongoing cycling casualties there.

"We were looking at introducing low-cost measures but are coming to the conclusion that it needs a more fundamental re-think.

"It could either be the approach adopted at Heworth Green to give greater priority to cyclists, or it could be that traffic lights would be the best option.

A major feasibility study is needed." Andy Shrimpton, who runs Cycle Heaven and is a member of York Cycle Campaign, said that anything which improved safety for cyclists was welcome.

He said: "The main reason people do not cycle in this country is because they do not feel safe".

Updated: 08:32 Friday, October 10, 2003