Measures to address cycling within the pedestrian area in Brigg and Scunthorpe have been announced.
Our pedestrian area and the steel town's suffer from the same problem - riders who ignore 'Cyclists Dismount' signs. If travelling at speed they pose a potential threat to pedestrians.
In Brigg, cyclists of all ages ride through the zone. Occasionally, adults accompany youngsters on two wheels. Some adult riders speed along close to the front doors of shops while customers are emerging or ride past 'blind corner' exits from the courtyards and alleyways. A few even weave between stalls and shoppers on market days.
Car, van and lorry drivers who decide to enter our pedestrian area without just cause at least proceed at walking pace. However, some cyclists speed past shoppers on foot - something that's also an issue in the steel town where North Lincolnshire Council and Humberside Police are currently reminding riders "of the importance of cycling safely in Scunthorpe town centre."
Brigg's Coun Rob Waltham, the unitary authority's leader, says of the steel town: “We are investing money in new bays so that cycles can be secured and not ridden in the town centre. We are seeing an increase in the number of complaints by shoppers of cyclists riding through the pedestrianised areas in Scunthorpe town centre putting people at risk, which is very concerning."
In reference to Brigg and Scunthorpe, he added: “Cyclists should dismount from their bikes in these areas. Also, cyclists are no different to anyone else; they must following the social distancing guidelines.
“People should be able to feel safe walking about the town centre and not having to avoid cyclists. I have been receiving complaints that older and disabled people are feeling intimidated.
“I would ask all cyclists to walk with their bikes whilst in pedestrianised areas and pavements until they are on the road or a designated cycling path to make sure they stay on the right side of the law.”
Sgt Shane Jackson, from Humberside Police’s Scunthorpe town centre team, said: “Making our town centre a safe and enjoyable place to be for everyone is something that’s really important to us."
Coun Waltham stresses that North Lincolnshire Council considers
Brigg and Scunthorpe equally when it comes to addressing cycling within pedestrian
areas. Enforcement is a matter for the police. CCTV footage my prove useful.
