7:00pm Thursday 23rd October 2008
By Julie Magee
LAW-breaking cyclists face being fined if they continue to pedal on pavements, ignore road signs or cycle at night without lights.
That’s the warning from police and safer neighbourhood teams in Winton and Moordown who have joined forces to clamp down on dangerous cycling.
The move follows complaints from local residents who say that cyclists who continue to flout the law are their biggest community concern.
During a cycle safety project, which got under way this week, police officers and community support officers will be positioned at various checkpoints to stop anyone found breaking the law.
Officers will use the first fortnight of the cycle safety project, which will run until November 18, as a warning exercise.
Cyclists will be advised of the consequences of their actions and told of the offences and penalties involved.
The second fortnight will be focused on enforcement. Offending cyclists will be issued with fixed penalty notices and face having to pay fines.
Those found cycling at night without lights will be given two weeks to attend their local police station and prove they have purchased suitable lights.
Statistics show that between August 2003 and July 2008 there were 584 accidents involving cyclists in Bournemouth; 74 were serious and four were fatal.
PC Stuart Witt, from the Winton safer neighbourhood team, said: “We are keen to prevent accidents happening in this area by ensuring that cyclists are properly informed about speed and safety and equipped with high-visibility clothing and lights.”
The project is part of an on-going scheme to tackle dangerous cycling. If successful it will continue until residents feel the issue has been resolved.
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