Cyclists in pedestrian zones face crackdown
CYCLISTS who fail to dismount in Derby's pedestrian zones are being targeted in a police and city council campaign.
A two-week crackdown, starting on Monday, will see officers talk to cyclists who fail to respect "no-vehicle" zones.
The move follow complaints from disabled and older people about cyclists in pedestrianised areas.
Last month the Derby Telegraph revealed that signs were be going up in parts of the city reminding cyclists to dismount.
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Now cyclists spotted ignoring the signs will given maps showing the roads and paths they can use. The aim of the campaign, which runs until August 13, is to improve cyclists' awareness.
Councillor Chris Poulter, cabinet member for neighbourhoods said: "Anyone caught riding a bike through a no-vehicle area can be issued with a £30 fixed penalty notice.
"The aim is not to catch people out but to raise cyclists' awareness about the concerns of disabled people and others and warn them of the consequences of irresponsible and dangerous cycling in these areas.
"Some businesses have also told us they feel this is a problem. We know that the majority of cyclists are lawful, and it is just a small number who are not respecting the no-vehicle traffic orders."
Lynn Johnston from the council-led cycling project, Cycle Derby, said: "Cyclists should be aware that there are far more legal ways to get through the city centre than they may have expected.
"With the opening of the new inner ring road there are even more options for cyclists.
"In addition, the public realm works currently ongoing at Cheapside, Wardwick, Strand and the Morledge will make the city even more attractive and convenient for people using two wheels."
Sergeant Nick Allgood, of Derby City Safer Neighbourhood Team, said cyclists should be aware of no entry signs that are already in the city centre but added more posters would be going up warning of restrictions.
He said: "Ignorance is no defence when it comes to the safety of the public."
Comments
by Major Chaos, Derby Cycling Track St Peters St
Tuesday, August 03 2010, 5:28PM
“They need to be out at 8am not from 9-5, its like a stage of Tour De France at that time, only today I pointed out to cyclist that it was illegal to cycle, only to be told to 'F*** Off' dont just fine them, confiscate the bikes til they have completed cycling course at a cost of £400”
by Tony, Derby
Sunday, August 01 2010, 3:51PM
“What will really help the situation regarding cycling in the city centre is the provision of a network of routes for cyclists close to that area. All direct, road based routes are blocked atsome point by one-way systems designed to alleviate congestion caused by motor vehicles. Bicyces don't cause the congestion and contra-flow cycle lanes are needed to get cyclists through. Even in the pedestrian areas, it is not the cyclists as such who are the real problem, it is those who cycle dangerously, and it is these dangerous individuals who should be targetted and fined.”
by J A Stewart, Hilton Derby
Saturday, July 31 2010, 5:51PM
“There are many misunderstandings in the comments so far. During the hours that vehicular use is permitted it is in the northbound direction only. However, some joker turned round one of the one-way arrows and the City Council failed to correct it for well over a year; perhaps it is still like that! Cyclists are allowed during the same times as motor vehicles, but only for the same purposes, that is loading and unloading; short cuts are prohibited. As loading onto cycles is not all that realistic in that one can walk away with as much as one can attach to a cycle, the ¿access for loading¿ facility isn¿t much use. It is actually illegal to push a cycle the wrong way in a one-way street but you are quite in order to carry one.”
by david, Littleover
Saturday, July 31 2010, 3:24PM
“Dear Cross George,
I am a driver and aware of legitimate access conditions, but if you have noticed St Peter's Street has blue one-way arrows pointing TOWARDS Victoria Street!
The motorist in question looked to be out for short- cut leisure purposes and not an emergency or delivery vehicle.”
by George Cross, Derby
Saturday, July 31 2010, 12:30PM
“David/stereotypical - you are both wrong. The streets allow legitimate access after 5pm and before 10pm, that means the likes of delivery drivers can visit stores in the morning or evening.
Anyone using the street as a short cut through the city is not using it for legitimate access so is breaking the law no matter what time of day it is.
All vehicles are banned except those with legitimate access, and that inclues bikes unless they are being pushed.
I hope neither of you are drivers, if you are I suggest you brush up on your highway code, specifically the meaning of traffic signs. :)”
by stereotypical grumbler, Derby
Saturday, July 31 2010, 12:13PM
“David, Bizarly that is perfectly legal, as the restrictions on motorists do not apply after a certain time. Cyclists however are banned 24-7
Explain that logic??!?!”
by david, Littleover
Saturday, July 31 2010, 9:11AM
“Never mind rogue cyclists, what about the motorist who drove UP pedestrianised St Peter's street from Victoria Street) at 9.20 last Thursday evening!
What no city centre police?”