A BAN on cyclists pedalling through some of Worcester’s busiest pedestrianised areas has been warmly welcomed by the county’s highways chief who branded bike users ‘dangerous and selfish’.
Coun Alan Amos launched the attack after council chiefs agreed to enforce the current ban in some of the city’s busiest shopping areas between 10.30am and 4.30pm.
Cyclists will now be barred from riding through the High Street, Broad Street, The Shambles, Angel Street, Pump Street, Mealcheapen Street and Church Street as well parts of Friar Street, Copenhagen Street and The Cornmarket during those hours.
The clampdown follows a meeting earlier this month organised by Coun Amos, the county’s cabinet member for Highways with the local police, and county council and city council officers.
Action will now be taken to enforce the ban and Coun Amos said he appreciated the efforts of council chiefs in addressing the matter.
“This is an issue about the safety of the public so we need to stop the increasing number of dangerous and selfish cyclists – including Deliveroo idiots – speeding through streets full of pedestrians,” he said.
“If we don’t stop them, then it is only a matter of time before somebody is going to get injured or even killed, as happened in Hereford recently.
“The police will be actively supported by City Council Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) who will be sharing intelligence with them so that repeat offenders can be prosecuted, with the courts being asked to impose the maximum penalty given the seriousness of this offence.
“The County Council will be putting up new signs warning that cycling in the City Centre is an offence,” he added.
The outspoken city and county councillor for Bedwardine added: “I am delighted we now have a clear and co-ordinated plan of action to deal with these wretched people.
“They just need to get off their bikes and walk them through, just like everybody else is walking in a pedestrianized zone.
“Cyclists and pedestrians do not safely mix and pedestrians have every right to be able to go about their business without constant fear of being knocked over or injured.”
