Cyclists Warned
According to the Derby Telegraph, over 1000 local cyclists have received warnings from the police about riding "illegally" in the city centre.
The problem has been going on for years, with periodic action by the authorities and still poor (i.e. no) provision for cyclists in St. Peter's Street, East Street and the Market Place, in spite of requests from Derby Cycling Group.
The situation is exacerbated by young lads on BMX bikes (many without brakes) riding furiously in these areas and subsequent reaction from pedestrians who fear for their lives.
More benign and mature cyclists who ride safely at walking speed pose little hazard, but if you are going to ride at this speed you might as well walk and push your bike. (Like wot I do).
A while back there was a proposal to use cycle rickshaws in the city centre to ferry the elderly. the infirm and the lazy from Westfield to the Cathedral Quarter, but this came to nought, partly because of the lack of a suitable direct route. A daunting prospect in the opposite direction, hauling a couple of fat OAPs up the gradient of St. Peter's Street anyway.
Sadly the article links cyclists with other lawbreakers and anti-social behaviourists such as street drinkers and beggars.
What do you think? Are you one of the thousand?
Comments welcome from all three groups - cyclists, street drinkers and beggars. Please state which.
1 comment:
I too had noticed the presence of Police Officers in St Peters St and, while I disagree with the cycle ban, I accept that it is the local law. What seems to me to be less reasonable is the total lack of action against motorists who flout the bus lanes of Victoria St and the ban on cars using the link from Bab. lane to the Spot.
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