Council accused of theft after ‘no cycling’ signs taken down.

Man says his notices were taken down as council denies bike law

A St Andrews man claims Fife Council has broken the law by taking down “no cycling” signs from outside his property in the latest twist of a long-running saga.

The council maintains cycling is permitted outside David Middleton’s home in Lade Braes.

However, after staff took down signs Mr Middleton had nailed in place himself, he put more back up using burglar-proof screws.

“The council stole the signs from me when they didn’t have any authority to take them away” he said.

“The only people who have committed an offence are the council, not me.”

In an email seen by The Courier, Mr Middleton was told in November that the path outside his home was covered by the section of the Highway Code prohibiting cycling on pavements.

Now he is calling for the council to explain the U-turn.

And he has asked for a safety assessment to be carried out after claiming an elderly neighbour was lucky to escape injury after being hit by a cyclist.

“There’s no logic in the council’s approach,” he said.

“I’ve asked if they would let me have the legislative reference for the view that cycling is allowed on Lade Braes, because I’m quite happy to listen to that. “But I’m not going to take it on trust.” Mr Middleton stressed he does not want a confrontation and is keen to discuss the matter with the local authority.

“I’ve been doing my best to engage with the council and so far they have not engaged,” he said.

Kevin Smith, who manages the roads network in North-East Fife, confirmed the council believed the signs should not be there.

“We’re looking into this matter and are trying to resolve it with the resident who has put these signs up on his own property.

“The signs are incorrect. Cycling is not forbidden on Lade Braes.

“However, I’d like to remind cyclists using Lade Braes to ride responsibly, be mindful of others and slow down where you’re approaching a gate or can’t see round a corner.”

Picture: David Wardle. David Middleton of Lade Braes in St Andrews with one of his no cycling signs.