Police action on anti-social cyclists

Officers will be looking out for cyclists who ride on pavements in the Meole Brace area of the town after a number of complaints from local residents.

Sergeant Darren Smith said the local policing team will be making a concerted effort to tackle the problem, including the issuing of £30 fixed penalty fines.

There has been growing concern that pedestrians, especially elderly people, will be injured if the practice continues unchecked, Sergeant Smith said.

He said: "The issue has been raised on several occasions and is close to the hearts of many of our more elderly residents on the estate.

"We will be going into local schools and advising children of the dangers they pose to others when riding their bikes on footpaths.

"We also want to highlight the dangers to adult offenders, as it is by no means just children who are responsible."

He said there was no excuse for riding on pavements and officers would be challenging offenders.

He said: "We will be advising them of the concerns and dangers they are causing and issuing a fixed penalty for £30 if they do not comply with the rules.

"If a cyclist knocks over an elderly person, it can easily cause serious injury affecting their mobility and well-being for the rest of their life.

"I am sure cyclists will understand why we will be targeting the area if they stop to consider this."

The police clampdown coincides with the current Justice Seen Justice Done campaign.

Run nationally by the Home Office and supported by West Mercia Police, the campaign aims to raise awareness and understanding of what the public can expect from the police and partner agencies.

Earlier this year, work was completed on installing a new crossing near the Meole Brace Retail Park.

It is sited in Hereford Road and was designed to improve safety for cyclists and walkers.

By Andrew Morris