Cycling on footpaths has reached epidemic proportions, says Three Bridges pensioner
PENSIONERS have resorted to pulling people off their bikes because dangerous cycling on footpaths has reached an "epidemic state".
Despite police warnings that cyclists are breaking the law by not sticking to the roads, footpaths are becoming a race track for many riders, according to Brian Armstrong.
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Brian Armstrong wants more to be done to stop cyclists using footpaths reGF20120821A-010_C
The 71-year-old says that some elderly people are now taking matters into their own hands after narrowly avoiding serious injury.
Mr Armstrong, who lives in Summersvere Close, Three Bridges, said: "I walk to Tesco to get the paper and have to negotiate the blind corners very carefully. If cyclists come round at speed you just have to dive out of the way.
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"My wife won't walk down there and I'm starting to get to that stage. I try to tell these people but you just get a mouthful of abuse. It has got to an epidemic state in Crawley.
"I pulled someone off their bike because they nearly knocked me down.
"You shouldn't have to step out of the way when they are breaking the law.
"They say it is dangerous to cycle on the road but wear a helmet, wear a high visibility jacket, get a bell on your bike and you will be fine."
Mr Armstrong's neighbour, Cyril Moore, has had similar experiences. He was driven to act after his wife was nearly knocked over by a speeding cyclist.
He said: "Some of these cyclists are doing 40 miles per hour and the path is very narrow. My wife was nearly mown down one day so I got hold of him and ended up jumping all over his bike so he couldn't use it again.
"I don't see the authorities doing anything about it. These cyclists have got their green credentials under their backsides and their brains are getting squashed on the saddle.
"They just don't care."
Mr Moore said the police and council need to do more to safeguard pedestrians and remind cyclists they should not be cycling on footpaths.
He said: "We need to get the authorities together to promote care of pedestrians before someone gets hurt."
Police say they are carrying out high-visibility patrols in Three Bridges and stopping cyclists on pavements to issue them with fixed penalty notices where appropriate.
Let us know your views on the issue by e-mailing editor@ crawleynews.co.uk
Comments
by shooter73
Tuesday, August 28 2012, 5:14PM
“The intent has been stated clearly, right here on a public forum. So do we now need to wait until one of these vigilante pensioners pushes a schoolchild on a bike to their death in the path of a lorry before the police act? Action please. And sooner rather than later.”
by Got_Any_Quo
Tuesday, August 28 2012, 1:58PM
“Cyclists travelling at 40 mph on a footpath!! Sorry, but that is virtually impossible. Even Bradley Wiggins would struggle to hit that speed along there.
And as for admitting to causing criminal damage, two wrongs do not make a right.
Messrs Armstrong and Moore, may I suggest that if you want to make a point on this subject, don't make wild accusations and don't admit to breaking the law, you have lost all my sympathy on this.”
by Cyclestrian
Tuesday, August 28 2012, 11:17AM
“PS. In a nutshell I guess I'm trying to say to Messrs Armstrong and Moore is that the problem should be evident from the division of public space and investment between motor, cycle and foot transportation. Just look at that roundabout, flyover and multi-lane slip road. Pedestrians and cyclists get the poor-quality scraps from the table: a tiny, interrupted footpath cut into an embankment and an insulting, narrow, indirect bridge. These local pedestrians AND local cyclists should be venting their frustration at the local councils and highways engineers, not each other and the police.”
by Cyclestrian
Tuesday, August 28 2012, 10:31AM
“Sorry Mr. Armstrong, but there is another side to this story. Whilst I agree that cyclists (like motorists) should not be travelling at such a speed that they are a danger or worry to nearby pedestrians, the really story here is shockingly bad local infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.
I had a look around your area on Google streetview and found the spot where you stood for your photo. I think you're right that that path is pedestrian only but it's not 100% clear. "CYCLISTS DISMOUNT" signs are advisory and there is never a "REMOUNT" sign. It is not always clear that a shared path has ended. Unfortunately, the level of provision for local cycling is pitiful in the UK.
Are you serious about your comment to get a bell and get on that fast, urban-motorway style bypass and roundabout? This will offend some people who'd jibe back that you should be wearing high-viz and a helmet and carry insurance as a pedestrian. It is the Taliban approach to road safety (victim's fault if no burka).
Anyway, why don't you try cycling from Summersvere Close to Tesco? Seriously, try getting from your home to Tesco on a bike on a regular basis and I bet you end up riding the path you are making a fuss about. Cyclists die on gyratories like this.
As for pushing cyclists off: two wrongs does not make a right and if cyclists are travelling even at half the speed you say they are you could end up facing a GBH or even a manslaughter charge.
The real answer is proper provision for all. Cycling is seeing huge growth right now. Our local councils need to acknowledge this in the infrastructure they're providing. Holland has a 40 year head start in this process so just look what the Dutch are doing at similar roundabouts: look up "Hovenring". I'm not saying this is appropriate for your local area but looking across the North Sea should give plenty of inspiration and best practice. Seems there is plenty of space around that roundabout to install reasonable quality bike crossings.”