CYCLICTS have been warned to avoid attempting ‘time trials’ on countryside roads and paths.

Trawden Parish Council has informed police that a number of cyclists at various times of day and night are allegedly competing in ‘time trials’ from Coldwell Activity Centre in Burnley over the moor bridleway, to Wycoller.

A report was published by the council which details incidents of cyclists travelling very fast through Wycoller to the flat bridge just before the ford.

In the report the council said the time trials have led to cyclists running into cars between Burnley and Wycoller.

The council spokesman said: “There have been a number of incidents that have not yet been reported to police as the cyclists don’t stop.

“One cyclist has run into the front of a car and left the owner with damage to repair costing £300.

“Another cyclist has run into some sort of digger that was repairing the road.

“Another hit a car, tumbled onto the bonnet, then just got up and walked away.

“Obviously this is concerning for people who are walking through Wycoller as the cyclists are travelling so fast.

“Some have been known to go into the beck when faced with a pedestrian.”

PC Nigel Keates, of Colne and West Craven Police, said he wants to stop the ‘few regular inconsiderates’ that cause this issue.

He said: “Cyclists have a legal obligation to to ride safely and can fall foul of the law.

“No one wishes to stop anyone using our spectacular countryside which is ideal for cyclists unfortunately conflict often arises particularly where cyclists and walkers meet on our paths and bridleways.

“I would urge common sense, patience and an appreciation for everyone using public highways and byways and footpaths through farmland.

“As usual I suspect it’s a few regular inconsiderates that cause issues for the many that are responsible and reasonable.

“Please take care and consider others.”

Cllr Sarah Cockburn-Price, who represents the area, said: “It’s great that Trawden Parish Council have highlighted this issue.

“If you look at our rural lanes in Trawden they were not built for fast traffic.

“They are not designed for speed or multiple forms of traffic whether you are a car, a cyclist or a walker.

“This is why we have to watch for reckless road users like these ones who are a danger to people on the roads."