Meeting to thrash out worries over police cycling crackdown
Cyclists’ representatives have met police to discuss fears over a crackdown on pavement riding.
The issue has mushroomed into a major talking point in Bath, generating scores of comments on the Chronicle’s website whenever it is raised.
Last month, police handed out three £30 fines and 14 verbal warnings to people found cycling on pavements and in pedestrian areas in the city.
There has been national publicity over the tough line which appeared to be being taken by police, who said the issue had been identified as a priority at the partners and community together meetings which aim to air community worries in the city.
Now Malcolm Dodds from the Bath Cycling Campaign and B&NES Council cycling champion Councillor Roger Symonds have met Inspector Steve Mildren, who heads neighbourhood policing in Bath.
Mr Symonds said they had had serious concerns that publicity over the matter would be damaging to the city’s efforts to become a cycle-friendly place.
But he said: “We have been reassured by Insp Mildren’s positive attitude towards sensible cycling.”
The campaigners agreed that cyclists who rode recklessly or dangerously on pavements should be caught by police but were assured by Insp Mildren that those not causing a hazard would simply be engaged in conversation by his officers.
Insp Mildren told the campaigners - who were accompanied by B&NES councillor Nigel Roberts - that there was no zero tolerance approach on the issue and that no action would be taken over children riding responsibly on pavements.
He also said that unlawful cycling would not be given a higher priority than other issues of anti-social behaviour in the city, such as cars ignoring advance stop lines for cyclists and cars parking in cycle lanes.
Mr Symonds, who had previously suggested that police actions were “demonising” cyclists, has promised to keep Insp Mildren updated about council plans to develop more cycling routes in the city.
Insp Mildren said: “We will continue to take appropriate action against anyone who puts other highway users in danger. I would encourage all cyclists to take care, be aware of others in their vicinity, and ride in a manner that they are in complete control of their cycle at all times.”
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by Dave Atkinson, Bath
Monday, September 06 2010, 1:38PM
“Sorry, didn't mean to post it twice, internet's a bit broken here I think. It's only worth reading once, if at all”
by Dave Atkinson, Bath
Monday, September 06 2010, 1:36PM
“Heh - thought for a minute there weren't any comments on a cycling story. Turned out they were just taking ages to load. Who'da thunk?
As ever, the story is pretty dull stuff. Some common sense from some normal people. The comments are gold though, thanks for that everyone. I was feeling a bit run down today after a week at the Eurobike show but I've perked up now. Plenty of bikes there, and Friedrichshafen has a very nice cycle path network too, puts Bath to shame. Of course.
I don't really have anything to add though, except I like cycling and occasionally I'll do it on an empty pavement in a careful manner, naughty old me. I expect I'd get a talking to, rather than a fine, but it's hands up from me either way if I do ever get caught in the 1% of time I don't spend in my legally allotted space on the road/cycle path. I know the risks, like when I speed in my car or nick those biros from Argos, both of which I've also been known to do on occasion.
I tend to find laws look more black and white when you're looking at them as applied to someone else who you don't agree with. But hey, that's just me I guess.”
by Dave A, Bath
Monday, September 06 2010, 1:35PM
“Heh - thought for a minute there weren't any comments on a cycling story. Turned out they were just taking ages to load. Who'da thunk?
As ever, the story is pretty dull stuff. Some common sense from some normal people. The comments are gold though, thanks for that everyone. I was feeling a bit run down today after a week at the Eurobike show but I've perked up now. Plenty of bikes there, and Friedrichshafen has a very nice cycle path network too, puts Bath to shame. Of course.
I don't really have anything to add though, except I like cycling and occasionally I'll do it on an empty pavement in a careful manner, naughty old me. I expect I'd get a talking to, rather than a fine, but it's hands up from me either way if I do ever get caught in the 1% of time I don't spend in my legally allotted space on the road/cycle path. I know the risks, like when I speed in my car or nick those biros from Argos, both of which I've also been known to do on occasion.
I tend to find laws look more black and white when you're looking at them as applied to someone else who you don't agree with. But hey, that's just me I guess.”
by john, Batheaston
Monday, August 30 2010, 5:38PM
“Any chance they can run over the seagulls whilst they pedal on the pavement though”
by Tom Trosborg, Bath
Sunday, August 29 2010, 2:21PM
“@A Law Abiding Citizen: I have many times referred to Home Office recommendations about enforcing this particular law. You are of course entitled to continue to disagree with the Home Office Minister as well as with Insp Mildren here in Bath.”