Pavement cyclists will be fined



Police have vowed to crack down on inconsiderate cyclists who ride on the pavement.

Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) now have authority to give £30 fixed penalty notices to anyone aged 10 or above for cycling on the pavement, or a pedestrianised area, along with other minor traffic offences. 

They will be closely monitoring the town centre, especially Lord Street and Chapel Street.

It is offence under Section 72 of the Highways Act to cycle on the pavement, however officers will consider each instance individually in regards to safety, the age of the cyclist and the size of the bike.

In some cases head cameras will be used to evidence the offence.

Police have also raised concerns about the number of people using bikes without proper lights.  Bicycles should have a fixed light on the front and rear as well as a reflector to the rear. 

It is also advisable to wear reflective clothing and wear a safety helmet.

Neighbourhood Inspector Neil Moss said: "Riding a pedal cycle on the pavement is not only an offence but it is extremely dangerous to pedestrians and officers will be issuing Fixed Penalty Fines to those who show little or no regard for the safety of others. 

"I would like to take this opportunity to ask cyclists to ensure that they have fixed and fully operating lights on their cycles and that they use them in the hours of darkness and I would also like to ask the parents of children who work as paper boys and girls to ensure that they have lights on the cycles and use them if delivering papers in the early morning and at dusk in the evening."

By Natasha Robson



 

 



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