Concerns raised over cyclists riding dangerously

Though the increase in cycling facilities was broadly praised by council members at the meeting, Cllr Greg Jones (Con, Riverside) flagged concerns over cyclists riding dangerously in the town.

“We have a huge problem with cyclists on the towpath and cyclists in the town who just ignore all the rules,” he said.

“This is a real summer problem. We have lots of families walking with small children, people walking dogs – and there’s people charging down the towpath on mountain bikes. Someone will get knocked down or a dog will get run over.

“What measures are in place to control these cyclists and get our towpath back, for a start?”

Mr Scott replied: “The power to enforce is with the police but they can agree to share those powers.

“The Royal Borough has been working with the police to agree on delegated powers, so the community wardens team can do some targeted enforcement in the town centre and high street.”

Mr Scott added that signage prohibiting or restricting cycling has had ‘little to no effect’.

Cllr Helen Taylor (TBF, Oldfield) suggested that cyclists may be cycling through the middle of town because many of them do not possess expert knowledge of the best and safest alternative cycle paths.

She recommended a scheme to engage cycling groups in the borough to help educate cyclists on these preferable routes.

Chris Joyce, head of infrastructure, sustainability and economic growth, said the Royal Borough would consider this as a possible solution.

The council is hoping to start targeted enforcement next month.