Cyclists will find out today whether they will be allowed to ride through pedestrianised city centre streets at any time of day.

Norwich Evening News: Rules over when cyclists can use city centre streets such as Gentleman's Walk could be changed. Pic: Dan Grimmer.Rules over when cyclists can use city centre streets such as Gentleman's Walk could be changed. Pic: Dan Grimmer. (Image: Archant)

And council officers say that they should be permitted to, despite concerns about safety.

At the moment, cyclists are not permitted to ride down a string of streets, such as Gentleman's Walk, Davey Place and White Lion Street between 10am and 5pm and not allowed to cycle on the likes of London Street or Lower Goat Lane at all

But amid confusion - with different restrictions in different streets - consultation over possible changes took place over the summer. There were 89 responses, including 17 from businesses and 67 from residents.

Sixteen were in favour of the first option, which would retain restrictions in streets such as Gentleman's Walk, but allow cyclists to ride down currently off-limit streets such as Lower Goat Lane and London Street between 5pm and 10am.

Civic watchdog the Norwich Society and Living Streets had preferred that option, saying they feared there could be accidents if all city streets were opened up to cyclists.

Twenty-nine wanted the second option, that cyclists should be allowed to go down all streets, at any time - which the Norwich Cycling Campaign supported.

Twelve wanted no change or did not support either option. The other responses expressed no preference or only talked about proposals for cycle contraflows, also included in the consultation.

And officers are recommending, when Norwich Highways Agency committee meets this morning, that city and county councillors to agree to the second option - allowing cycling in city centre streets at all times.

The council says accidents between pedestrians and cyclists are very rare in pedestrianised areas and the proposals are in line with government recommendations.

But officers say, if the change is made, consideration would be given to use of 'Share with care' signs within pedestrian and cycle zones.

They would also look at whether there should be a code of conduct for cyclists using pedestrian areas.

And they would need to speak to Norfolk police over enforcement of dangerous cycling.