Cyclists on pavement are becoming a danger

ON Sunday morning, I was walking along Kneesworth Street, Royston, and rather more by luck than judgment I avoided being hit by a young cyclist who was riding on the pavement. He was riding, I might say, a good deal faster than he should have been. The p

ON Sunday morning, I was walking along Kneesworth Street, Royston, and rather more by luck than judgment I avoided being hit by a young cyclist who was riding on the pavement.

He was riding, I might say, a good deal faster than he should have been.

The pavement between The Green and Queens Road is wide and it is not uncommon to have two or three cyclists riding abreast.

This route to the town centre is used by a number of elderly people and some, like myself, probably have impaired hearing so there is an ever-present danger.

There are no bells on the cycles to give us any warning as they approach from behind, and if one of us were to be knocked down, there are no prizes for guessing who would be deemed at fault: stupid old people not looking where they are going.

I am not fully aware of what the legal position is regarding cycling on the pavement, but, rather foolishly it would seem that pavements were for pedestrians.

No doubt pens are poised ready to point out that they are safer on the pavement. If there are dangers should they not leave their cycles at home and walk.

In conclusion, I would ask the question: Where are our friendly neighbourhood health and safety mob.

They make enough recommndations all over the country, why not come and do something that is really necessary.

ELEANOR SMYTH

Pightle Close, Royston