Cyclists must abide by the law

I NOTED an item on the TV news stating that prosecutions for cycling offences had reduced dramatically over the recent years.

As a pedestrian who walks regularly every day I found this difficult to believe from my own observations, as I find that more and more cyclists are cycling on footpaths which are not designated as cycle ways or shared footpath/cycleway.

I subsequently researched the Northumbria Police website and noted a freedom of information request in 2016 which detailed very few, if any, prosecutions or even warnings for cycling offences, specifically reducing in the latter years.

Rule 64 of the Highway Code states: “You must not cycle on a pavement. Laws HA 1835 sect 72 & R(S)A 1984, sect 129”.

In addition: Cyclists must obey all traffic signals and traffic light signals – Rule 69.

Cyclists must not cross the stop line when traffic lights are red although some junctions have an advanced stop line to enable cyclists to wait and position themselves ahead of the traffic – Rule 71.

I can appreciate that the powers that be are promoting cycling, which I agree is a benefit to health, but there is still a requirement for cyclists to abide by the law and for the police to enforce the law.

If I or any other pedestrian object to cyclists riding on the pavement, we are usually met with a mouthful of abuse.

I and many others believe it is now time for police to take the necessary action to protect walkers, not just the cyclists. PHIL SUTTIE, Cullercoats