An Olympic medal-winning Marlow cyclist has given his backing to the Green Party ahead of next week’s General Election after a debate last month on two-wheeled transport in town.

Marlow resident Willi Moore, who took bronze in the Team Pursuit at the 1972 Munich Games, set the 126-mile course for the popular Red Kite Ride through Marlow in September.

And the lifetime cyclist has thrown his support behind the Green Beaconsfield constituency candidate Dave Hampton, who came out last month in favour of a concerted improvement in cycling provision for the town.

Mr Moore said: “A bright future awaits when we get serious about the switch to renewable technologies for all of our energy needs - but none of the three main parties has the courage to make the necessary, and ever more urgent, commitments.

“I have yet to hear a plausible explanation as to why growth needs to be the holy grail of economics - we live on a planet with finite resources after all.

“Dave Hampton is a committed and passionate environmentalist, and a flag bearer for the change that needs to happen, as well as being a long term Marlow resident.”

The Bucks Free Press has aired a debate in recent months over cycling facilities in Marlow.

Some residents questioned the safety of a new cycle path to Marlow Bottom and others argued the roads around the town are unsafe for two-wheel users.

Eco-campaigner Mr Hampton has signed a pledge put forward by national cycling charity CTC, outlining detailed plans to prioritise cycling legislation and improve infrastructure.

In the last five years, Conservative-led councils have installed new cycle racks, shelters and major new cycle routes in Marlow town centre in a bid to improve safety and uptake among residents.

Beaconsfield, in the same constituency, has also seen a major project to upgrade junctions in the town and provide a joined-up cycle route after the council teamed up with cycle campaginers and cycle charities.