Residents in Gedling borough have called for more measures to curb the increasing pavement cycling problem.
Riding a bike on the pavement is an offence under the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 and can result in an instant Fixed Penalty Notice fine of £30 or a fine of up to £500 upon prosecution.
But the small fraction of UK cyclists who are fined for this offence has raised concern among residents.
Carole Tracey, 77, said: “Now I see a lot of cyclists on the pavement, and I completely disagree with that.
“I know the roads are dangerous with many cars parking along, so they have to go on the pavement. But sometimes they don’t even consider that pedestrians are walking.”
As a parent, Susannah Jane prioritises her daughter’s safety above all else when they venture out together.
The 51-year-old mother said she felt safer letting her children ride on the sidewalk than on the roadway and called for a better network of bike paths.
She said: “I know many parents like me who don’t want their children to ride their bicycles on the street when it’s crowded, but equally, I understand why people are against cycling on the pavement because it’s a footpath for pedestrians.
“I know it’s illegal to cycle on the pavement, but I think that’s safer to some extent. I think we need either wider pavement or a better network on the road.”
For Connor Cuffe, of Carlton, the concern is personal as he was once hit by an e-scooter while walking on the pavement.
The 20-year-old blamed the mishandling of the matter on the police.
He said: “I don’t think the police pay much attention to it even though they could have done it better.
“When I got hit, the guy just looked at me, got back on his scooter, and drove off without saying a word.
“I also think roads should have more markings, such as Colwick Loop Road, to separate bikes or scooters from cars and pavement.”
According to the E-scooter trials: guidance for users, released by the Department for Transport in July 2020, users “must not use an e-scooter on the pavement.”
Under Section 72 of the Highway Act 1835 and the Highway Code, cyclists are prohibited from riding on the pavement.
Section 72 of the Highway Act 1835 forbids “willful riding” on footpaths, while the Highway Code states: “You must not cycle on a pavement.”
I’ll cycle on the road when the potholes are fixed
It’s also an offence to drive a motor vehicle on the pavement, I bet you would get fined if caught . Dont thinks so! No Police about
Some pavements are shared spaces for cyclists and pedestrians, being divided in half and have signs to say so. If cyclists used a bell to earn people they were there and were ready to slow down, it would be safer.