A MOTORCYCLIST from Ipswich today fumed over the state of Suffolk's “shoddy” roads which she claims have damaged her beloved bike and injured her back.

A MOTORCYCLIST from Ipswich today fumed over the state of Suffolk's “shoddy” roads which she claims have damaged her beloved bike and injured her back.

Melanie Goulder was nearly thrown off her custom-made Streetfighter when she went over a bump created by what she describes as a poorly repaired section of the A14 near Risby.

The mother-of-two is now on strong painkillers after the bump jarred her back. She also faces a hefty bill to the repair parts of the vehicle which were broken by last week's incident.

The Highways Agency, which is responsible for the upkeep of the A14, said it works hard to ensure the safety of motorcyclists and carries out regular inspections.

But Miss Goulder, of Lacey Street, said: “I had just been on a 520-mile bike ride across the country but it was only when I got into Suffolk that I had a problem.

“Luckily, I sustained damage to my bike and myself, but didn't leave two little boys without a mother.

“I take a great pride in my bike. It is a total one-off. But thanks to the shoddy Suffolk roads, I will have to pay to get my bike fixed.

“I pay council tax and road tax for repairs, but I doubt anyone will pay for my damage.”

Miss Goulder, who has ridden for 17 years, was also lucky to keep control her bike a few weeks ago when she hit another hump on the A14 just before the Asda turn-off into Ipswich.

The 37-year-old resource technician at Beacon Hill Primary School says she no longer takes pleasure from cruising around Suffolk because of the declining quality of the roads.

She added: “The A14 is repaired like a patchwork quilt. The roads need maintaining properly, not like these shoddy half-hearted affairs they seem to be doing at the moment. I don't ever remember our roads being this poor.”

A spokesman for the Highways Agency said it would be visiting the two locations identified by Miss Goulder to check the condition of the carriageway.

He added: “Road safety is a top priority for the Highways Agency. Our campaign Great Roads Great Rides encourages bikers to enjoy using our motorways and major A roads, and to do it safely.”

Have you had a bad experience with a poor road? Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk