Row over ‘no cycling’ signs
‘It’s never been legal... we are just reminding cyclists of the law’, says council
AROW has broken out between cyclists and Conwy council over new signage forbidding the riding of bikes on the footway on Conwy Bridge.
The signs appeared without warning last week, much to the chagrin of cyclists who have always used the pathway.
Cyclists’ rights advocate Roy Spilsbury said: “Cyclists have successfully negotiated space with pedestrians on this footway for many years. We see no evidence remotely justifying such an action, which has serious road safety implications.”
Mr Spilsbury said that, according to a recent Freedom of Information request, there have been no reported complaints from the public. He said: “The traffic on the adjacent road is unsuitable for anyone other than the most experienced riders.”
Mr Spilsbury said he would like to see the new signs replaced by “Share With Care” signs.
He said: “To do otherwise would in our view be a serious breach of the council’s duty of care to all citizens, with the likelihood that many cyclists will ignore the signs, thus creating conditions likely to lead to conflict between users.”
Cllr Dave Cowans, cabinet member for highways, environment and sustainability, said: “It has, for many years (since 1835), been an offence to ride a bicycle on a footway.
“Cycling on a footway is only legal when it is designated as such by a prescribed sign which shows that it is a dedicated cycleway or a shared use footway/cycleway.
“Neither has ever been the case for the footway across Conwy Bridge.
“Following complaints received from Conwy Town Council regarding cycling on the narrow footway across the bridge, Conwy County Council has installed signs to remind cyclists of the law.”
A father who cycles along the footway on a daily basis with his daughter said: “I take my daughter along this path to school every day. We cycle together. It’s part of our routine.
“I despair that the council have done this. What are we supposed to do now? The road is far too dangerous for a nine-year-old to cycle on.
“The council says they support cycle to school schemes, but judging by this they evidently don’t.”