Cyclists may be without a route to Chiseldon when improvement work starts at Junction 15 of the M4.

Due to the widening of the A419, including a bridge, Day House Lane may be closed completely for more than a year.

The lane is widely used by cyclists across Swindon as a way of exiting the town to the south and they fear they will have to take a long detour if they want to avoid the risk of riding on major roads.

Howard King, chairman of Swindon Wheelers, said: “I’m not really sure why they’re closing it. If it’s because they will be doing work on the road then that’s fine, but if it’s just for storage then it’s a pain.

“Cyclists don’t have that many exits out of the town already. This would be a major southerly route that will leave no other option than to go through Wanborough.”

Howard, 65, said: “There is a route through Coate Water but that’s not suitable for road bikes, mostly mountain bikes. People going to Chiseldon would have to take more risks by going on main roads or heading in a different direction completely.”

Andrew Page-Dove, south west regional director for Highways England, said: “We are currently working with Swindon Borough Council regarding a proposed improvement scheme for M4 Junction 15.

"Any future announcement will be made after the general election.

He added: “As with all Highways England schemes, every effort would be made to maintain access for all road users.”

The proposed works were due to start in September and were expected to last 18 months.