Norwich cyclists told 'keep off pavements'

Sarah HallDanger cyclists who ride on Norwich's pavements are to be targeted as police and council bosses get tough at known hotspots where pedestrians are being put at risk.Sarah Hall

Danger cyclists who ride on Norwich's pavements are to be targeted as police and council bosses get tough at known hotspots where pedestrians are being put at risk.

Signs to reinforce the message that cycling on pavements is unlawful and anti-social are going up around the city, warning that bikes should be on the road.

After complaints from the public, Norwich City Council has put six signs in place on Magdalen Street and four on Earlham Road to warn people that cycling on the pavement can lead to fines ranging from �30 to �2,500.

The signs, which cost �229, are designed to be movable so they can also be used in other areas of the city.

Julie Brociek-Coulton, executive member for residents and customer care, said: 'There have been quite a few complaints from businesses on Magdalen Street about this problem, which endangers their staff and their customers.

'These signs have been needed for a long time and I hope they will cause people to stop and think about this dangerous behaviour.'

Cycling on the pavement is enforceable by the police and the signs will be placed at hotspots where people often cycle on pavements to warn them it is an offence.

Nigel Richards, Norfolk Constabulary's inspector for West Centre Safer Neighbourhood Team, said 'We are fully supportive of the new signs which will be a great benefit to the West Centre area as well as across the city as a whole.

"We are still seeing too many cyclists riding on pavements causing a danger to pedestrians. People who do cycle on pavements illegally could find themselves with a hefty fine.

'We very much hope these new signs will deter cyclists and make them think twice riding on pavements and putting other people at risk.'

Michael Dale, chairman of Norwich Cycling Campaign, said: 'We do not support cyclists who put themselves or other people at risk.

'We are aware of the problems on Magdalen Street, and we are supporting the police and the council in their efforts to stop it. It would be very easy to hit someone coming out of a shop.

'We are in continual discussion with the city council about cycling in the city centre to try and get the best solutions for cyclists and pedestrians.'

As reported in the Evening News last week, police are carrying out patrols in the Dereham Road area over the next two weeks to catch anyone cycling on footpaths.

Are you fed up with cyclists using pavements? Or are you a cyclist who feels hard done by? Tell us your views by writing to Evening News Letters, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE or email eveningnewsletters@archant.co.uk