Police Clampdown on Cyclists Riding on Paths
Safety conscious student Nathan McKenna said riding on paths put pedestrians - especially youngsters and older people - at risk of being knocked down and injured.
Nathan, aged 15, who goes to Burton's Abbot Beyne school, spent an hour with police during an operation in the Eton area which saw community support officers giving advice and issuing fines for riding illegally.
"Pedestrians don't expect to be suddenly faced with a bike as they walk along a footpath which is why riding on paths is dangerous," said Nathan who met officers as he pushed his bike along Horninglow Road.
The police action follows complaints from local residents that irresponsible cyclists were causing safety concerns by riding on footpaths. In the past, officers have issued warnings to riders but the problem persisted.
Residents' worries were raised at recent Eton PACT (Partners and Communities Together) public meetings when police pledged to take enforcement action.
During yesterday's operation, police and community support officers handed out nine £30 fixed penalty notices and gave safety advice to a further 32 riders.
Police stopped people riding on footpaths in Horninglow Road, Victoria Crescent, Dallow Street, Derby Street and around Derby Turn.
"Over the last three months, we have been issuing advice leaflets to cyclists," explained Burton neighbourhood policing Commander, Inspector Jav Oomer.
"The vast majority of cyclists are responsible and aware of the dangers of riding on footpaths. This latest action follows a strong level of concern from the local community about the minority who act irresponsibly," he added.
Road safety conscious student Nathan Mckenna chats with PCSOs Caroline Maycock and Chris Blanksby about the dangers posed by people riding cycles on footpaths.
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