Police hunt for dangerous cyclist

OBAN police are searching for a ‘dangerous cyclist’ who absconded from officers on Sunday evening after behaving in a manner likely to cause harm to people on Stafford Street and George Street, writes Sandy Neil.

The man was seen cycling the wrong way along a one-way street into oncoming traffic before frightening pedestrians and clipping cars as he made his escape.

Police describe the man as having blond wavy hair and wearing a purple hoodie top. He is described as around 18 years old, and was riding a black-framed BMX-type bicycle. Two police officers witnessed the man’s behaviour.

CCTV footage in relation to the incident was obscured by flags hung across George Street.

Concerns about dangerous cycling in the town were also raised at Oban Community Council on Monday evening.

Sympathies lay with young people who wanted to be out and about on their bicycles, but the extreme behaviour displayed by some youngsters is spoiling it for everyone else, the community council was told.

After the meeting, community council chairwoman Marri Malloy told The Oban Times: ‘It is good the police are doing all they can to make the town safe.

‘We have been saying for some time that it is not children who have been causing concern at Stafford Street – instead it is older young people and adults.

‘This is borne out by this police investigation.

‘The community council’s fear is that someone will be injured because of the speed of bikes as they fly through the town or that someone will slip on the wax that is being melted to make skateboards and bikes go faster on the pedestrianised area.

‘Stafford Street was built for the whole town and we all want to respect that.

‘The community council is keen to work with the cyclists, Argyll and Bute councillors, staff from BID4Oban and the police to find a solution in finding out what young people want.’

In response to reports of adults cycling on pavements and causing injury to pedestrians, Mrs Malloy continued: ‘Adults should know better. There is no need for them to cycle on pavements.’