Timecyclistsstopped usingthepavements

The article in the PA regarding Perth and Kinross Council’s plans to create safer spaces for pedestrians and cyclists is to be welcomed.

The article on the opposite page entitled: ‘Police advise cyclists to follow rules’ also caught my eye.

During lockdown I have noticed a large number of cyclists have taken to using the pavements, which to me seems strange since it is the one time that the roads have been virtually devoid of traffic.

As far as I am aware, Highway

Code rule 54 is still in operation and clearly states “you MUST NOT cycle on a pavement, endanger, or obstruct pedestrians”.

I, along with other pedestrians, have to dodge out of the way encountering cyclists on the Perth bridge (never mind the bollards) and on the pavements at Bridgend.

On two occasions I have been bumped into by cyclists and from one encounter at the corner of the bridge, I sustained a bruise on my leg.

When I have politely asked people to use the road and informed them about the Highway Code, I have received either blank looks or verbal abuse.

I feel it is time for a sign to be erected at both ends of the Perth and Queen’s bridges to instruct cyclists to dismount and walk their bikes across if they do not want to cycle.

I understand how daunting it can be when cycling across the bridge amongst the traffic. However, I have found being a slow cyclist, that the traffic is forced to adjust to my speed.

Therefore, if all cyclists got on the road, they would be a more visible presence to the traffic and the cars would have to reduce their speed accordingly.

This would fit in with the council’s plan to reduce the speed to 20mph in the city centre.

Actively promoting shared use of the highway has proven effective in other cities such as Cambridge, where there are a large number of cyclists and the drivers are alert to this.

The road is for all vehicles to share and cars need to respect bikes, but bikes also need to respect the pedestrian space. Allowing bikes to use the pavement is not the answer.

I would also request that the police enforce the Highway Code rules instead of just allowing cyclists to use the pavements unchallenged.

Janet Martin

Ardchoille Gardens, Perth