Brigg Blog has commented in the past about cycling on footpaths in the town.
We pulled up in the car at the pelican crossing on the A18, near the White Horse pub and the China Garden, only to find the "pedestrian" who had pushed the button to halt traffic was actually a cyclist.
Having held up the traffic, they cyclist then proceeded to ride over the crossing and set off along the footpath - right outside the old police station.
Had this happened a few decades ago, we'd have expected a constable to be out the door, having a word.
It doesn't seem to matter these days when cyclists contravene the rules. Only recently we saw an adult on a bike riding merrily down Wrawby Street, accompanied by children, also cycling.
Brigg police used to organise compulsory cycling proficiency tests at Glebe Road School in the 1960s when pupils were taught the rules of the road, which many still remember decades later.
A slight clarification, Old Nige....
ReplyDeleteWhile it is not normally permitted for cyclists to ride across a Zebra Crossing (unless there is a defined zone) - on controlled pedestrian crossings, ie a Pelican Crossing, cyclists are permitted to use the crossing (as long as they give pedestrians priority).
Technically, cycling across a Pelican Crossing is not an offence, although, unless there is a recognised cycle either/both side(s) of the crossing, the cyclist would be causing an offence of riding on a footpath specifically defined for pedestrian use.
I was a cyclist for many years - even riding to and from work in Scunthorpe. What's disappointing now is the high number of cycles being ridden on our footpaths and the fact that many cyclists don't use the roads. I fear some of them do not have the necessary skills, eg how to signal and make a right turn.
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