Cyclists are targeted in day of action

North Yorkshire Police are aiming to improve pedestrian safety in Scarborough town centre.

Police held a ‘day of action’ which targeted cyclists riding on pavements and aimed to protect residents and visitors.

They stopped and talked to 40 cyclists who were riding their bicycles on pavements.

PC Kirsty Masters said: “Each of the riders was advised of the danger they were causing to pedestrians and were asked to get off their bikes. If they refused, they would have faced a £50 fine.

“When we explained our operation, most of the people were very understanding and appreciative of our actions.

“Whilst enforcement is always an option we can take, our main focus is on engagement and educating cyclists so that they are aware of the vulnerability of pedestrians in our busy town centre.”

The action day, on August 15, came after a new project was launched last month which offers safety to pedestrians in the traffic restriction zone in the town centre.

The project came about after a series of collisions in the restriction zone and consultations with nearby businesses.

North Yorkshire County Council has put clear signage in place about the restricted areas and an advice leaflet has been produced with help from Scarborough Borough Council.

There are exceptions for the restriction zone; these include access to goods vehicles between 4pm and 11am to load and unload, access to utility vehicles but they must stick to the one-way system which is in place.

Emergency services also have full right of access in the pedestrian zone.