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Last Updated on March 25, 2022 by Bex Alderton
25 people were stopped by the Police on Whitegate drive, in Blackpool, for cycling on pavements. Police will continue to target the particular area until the end of the month.
PC Steve Jones (Community Manager for Talbot), said that all these people were given a warning that they would be fined with £100 if caught again, and were offered a place on a cycling course, run by the Blackpool council. He added “Elderly people on Whitegate Drive have real concerns with people pedaling down there as fast as they can – it’s an accident waiting to happen.”
“Rather than coming down on them like a ton of bricks, I genuinely think education is the best way forward. He said part of the problem is a lack of awareness and people feeling unsafe cycling on the roads. The free course, run by Blackpool Council, offers people the chance to boost their confidence.”
Councilor John Jones, Blackpool council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, further adds:
“We constantly get queries and complaints about the problem of cycling on pavements. This is illegal, can be dangerous and often leads to incidents and near misses with pedestrians.”
“One of the most effective ways we can try and help the problem is by helping cyclists to develop the confidence to ride on roads. We’re pleased to be working with the police to promote this – it’s a practical, pragmatic approach to the problem.”
Dave Balcker, Talbot PACT group chairman, commends the efforts made, saying “This has been an issue
for three or four years. It’s good to see the police responding to priorities set by the public.”
