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Rogue Colne cyclists to be targeted in police crackdown

1:33pm Thursday 12th January 2012 in Colne Photograph of the Author By Chris Gee, Reporter

POLICE have warned cyclists who ride on pavements and perform bike stunts in public areas that their behaviour “will not be tolerated”.

Later this month, an operation codenamed ‘Footpath’ will be launched in Colne town centre.

The town’s neighbourhood policing team say they will crack down on pedal cyclists using footpaths in order to ride or perform tricks.

The two-month operation will see officers seize pedal cycles pending the issue of a £30 fixed penalty notice.

Alternatively culprits will be forced to a attend a restorative justice conference which will take place in Colne at the beginning of March.

The council has secured funding and purchased signs that will be erected around town centre warning of the penalties.

PC Mark Walker, Colne town centre community beat officer, said: “The number of cycles that are currently being used on footpaths has increased to an unacceptable level.

“I feel that it is only a matter of time before a pedestrian or young child is injured by a cyclist.

“The speed that these cycles travel is quite often faster than the vehicles on the roads.

“All cyclists please be warned, please be considerate, we are not going to tolerate it, ride your pedal cycle on the road.”

Youngsters using stunt bikes in areas around Market Square, the front of Colne Library and Colne Town Square will also be targeted.

PCSO Kevin Dolphin, said: “Whilst we understand that there are no local provisions for the use of stunt bikes, it is not appropriate for these bikes to be used.

“The users of these bikes pose a danger to themselves as well as passers-by and their continued use may result in damage.”

Comments(11)

darwenTower says...
1:56pm Thu 12 Jan 12

The people of Colne will be able to sleep safer in their beds.

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gudari says...
3:53pm Thu 12 Jan 12

They need someone to wrap their bikes round their necks!

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colnelad says...
8:37pm Thu 12 Jan 12

never mind the bikes on the pavements what about the smack-heads and drunks roaming the town.

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Keep Darwen Green says...
10:50pm Thu 12 Jan 12

I think police need to find more legitimate criminals. Oh no look he's on the pavement better send the dogs in and get the shields out. Can we use water cannons?

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globetrot says...
8:36pm Sun 15 Jan 12

Shoot to kill policy even.

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ConnorTheSkater;) says...
11:11pm Fri 20 Jan 12

To be fair, no they really don't need someone to 'wrap their bikes around their necks' all they are doing is trying to do something they like and have a passion for and they are developing new skills in what they like to do. But they are not stupid and they know how to control it, maybe to some people they do look threatening but, honestly, why do you all believe all the stereotypes out there? All they are trying to do is have some fun with what they've got, there has been a lot of effort put in to try and get a skate park so they have somewhere to go so its not 'terrorising' people. So why don't the police focus on more pressing matters such as drugs and violence, don't you think it would make more sense?

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Griffle says...
11:16pm Fri 20 Jan 12

This is stupid ! What do they expect them to do there are no decent skateparks! So and get some real crimanals !

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Colnecitizen says...
11:30pm Fri 20 Jan 12

I agree very strongly with you Connor and it is a sport that they like to do and we get stereotyped very badly. There are many people in Colne doing drugs and all other sorts, and would our government rather us be doing drugs, drinking on the streets, sitting indoors on computer games being lazy, rather than us being productive and doing something healthy and stopping us from trying to have fun. I understand that some people ride round on pavements too fast and should be more careful, but it's not all of us, and this could be resolved by actually providing us with a skate/bike park. It would be a lot safer to ride at a skate/bike park than on the streets. Also if designed and constructed correctly, are fiscally conservative and require very little maintenance. Everyone needs to be positive and try to push forward from this situation. :) Thankyou

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superyob says...
6:45pm Thu 26 Jan 12

If they want ride a bike, there are dozens of cycling groups & clubs around Pendle ...............join one ffs !!! If they think they're entitled to a skate/bike park, dig deep and put some cash in the pot first. How did we manage years ago without skate/bike parks?
Greasy, pimply little oiks with nothing better to do !!!

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Colnecitizen says...
4:49pm Sun 29 Jan 12

No there aren't clubs around Pendle for the type of riding we do so don't go jumping into conclusions !, our council needs to realise that we have no where to go and they need to do something about it.

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Camsplint says...
9:23pm Thu 9 Feb 12

I do hope the police learn the difference between a footpath (where cycling is not prohibited unless there is a local byelaw in place, which has been given effect by a sign to diagram 951 - the bicycle outline in a red circle on a white background, at least 270mm in diameter) and footways (aka pavements) where cycling is an offence unless specifically authorised, before they go making idiots of themselves.
Oops, PC Mark Walker already did.
Even the Magna Carta (clause 45) stated that the office of constable should be restricted to "those who knew the law and would keep it well".
How standards have dropped!

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