Monday, September 19, 2016

WHAT HAPPENED TO BRIGG PATH'S BAN ON CYCLING?


For decades the lengthy footpath connecting the Springbank housing estate with East Parade - running between the Recreation Ground and Brigg Town FC's Hawthorns ground - was "No Cycling."
There was a "No Cycling" sign at the entry to the footway (pictured above), as clearly there is insufficient room for cycles to share the narrow walkway with pedestrians. And with a number of twists and turns in the path, oncoming cyclists - moving at speed along a good quality surface - might not realise walkers are round the next corner.
We have to pose some questions:
  • When was the "No Cycling" sign removed and by whom?
  • Is the restriction on riding along this footpath still in force?
  • If the answer to that is Yes, then can we have fresh signs put up to inform the public?

The number of cyclists riding along paths in the town seems to us to be on the increase.
Indeed, it's such a common sight that people seem to accept it as normal.
However, we are unaware of any relaxation of the Highway Code requirement for riders to keep off paths unless they contain a designated cycle way (eg along Wrawby Road).
In "our day"  the police took action against people they observed riding bikes on the paths and prosecuted owners through the courts for having sub-standard lighting on their cycles (a fine being imposed by Brigg Magistrates).
Only a few days ago we saw a group of FIVE cyclists progressing along the footpath on Bigby Road, near the car wash.
We have asked North Lincolnshire Council to clarifying the situation about the No Cycling footpath and to comment on cycling on paths in the pedestrianised part of Brigg town centre.

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