Run down by rider in pedestrian area
I am writing concerning the recent letters about the dangers of cyclists in the city's pedestrian zones.
We have a small business in Cheapside.
One of our employees was walking to work along Angel Gate. As she walked into Market Place, she was knocked down by a cyclist.
The cyclist was nowhere to be seen when she looked to check the pavement was clear as she exited Angel Gateway.
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He was clearly going at some speed and had no awareness of what was around him to have gone from being nowhere in sight to crashing into her.
Sadly, she broke a bone in her shoulder and has been unable to work for the past 16 weeks. Her long-term recovery remains uncertain.
The cyclist who rode into her did not even help her off the floor. He just left her where she lay and remonstrated with her about any damage to his bike.
We stopped having to dodge cars in our city centre some years ago, but replaced that by dodging cyclists, with skate boards flying up and down High Street, performing jumps on the benches and cycle stands and speeding mobility scooters.
None of these methods of travel mixes well with pedestrians.
They need defined areas to ensure everyone's safety and security when getting around our city centre.
We need the police, our council leaders, city wardens or city centre managers to address this problem before more people are hurt.
G & A Rossa, Desford.
Comments
by lesta_jesta
Wednesday, September 12 2012, 12:38PM
“Speedy recovery to the lady concerned in this incident.
It is unclear from the letter whether the incident was reported to the police or not. If it wasn't then how can it be investigated? It's all very well writing to the LM....There would surely be CCTV cameras that picked up the incident from which the muppet riding the bike could be identified. All incidents of this nature should be reported to the relevant authorities including the police, our council leaders, city wardens or city centre managers otherwise the problem with idiots who happen to be riding a bike will not be apprehended. I wonder if the bike rider has a driving licence, now that would be a serious concern”
by wwigwag
Wednesday, September 12 2012, 7:45AM
“But ride down New Walk and suffer the wrath of a hidden policeman or 3 waiting for you. Is this the only footpath that cycling is not allowed? I dont think so.”
by johncatt
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 6:36PM
“MartinLFE said " I feel police should pull over bike users who are on the pavement and do not wear helmets".
On the first point you are quite correct and the police should enforce traffic regulations for all road users (which includes pavement cycling - unless specifically permitted - but should also include pavement parking by cars).
With regard to helmets, there is no law in the UK requiring cyclists to wear helmets. Indeed as pointed out by another correspondent, helmets often give a false sense of security so that some cyclists may ride more recklessly if wearing a helmet. In any case the efficacy of cycle helmets is questionable. See http://tinyurl.com/cjyswys .
There are already adequate laws on the statute book to allow prosecution of dangerous cycling - see http://tinyurl.com/cpu7j8k - they just need to be enforced.”
by wwigwag
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 2:55PM
“Who enforces the highway law and more specifically moving violations and dangerous or careless driving?? The Police. So why do they insist on ignoring this danger and contravention of the law?? Because they are wrapped in the police cars catching motorists using phones and more serious law breaking. I joke of course”
by Graham_LE8
Monday, September 10 2012, 12:37PM
“@ Karinfall1955; there is only one way to deal with the individual you describe - At the next encounter, I suggest you use the force...”
by leicester
Monday, September 10 2012, 11:52AM
“If this bunch of Muppets[aka councillors]are so keen on destroying the City businesses by useless parking but promoting cycling,why cannot they all be seen cycling to soulsby towers?
Even pete aint had a photo outside of The Town Hall on a bike.”
by Carty2020
Sunday, September 09 2012, 10:39PM
“Martin what you say is spot on. But I blame the Councils and Police for letting them go on the pavments in the first place. When I was a young lad I got a clip around the ear for a copper for ridin on the pavment.”
by MartinLFE
Sunday, September 09 2012, 11:53AM
“I myself am fast becoming fed up of cyclists who continually ride on the pavement area and at such speed. This example proves what a risk there are becoming to others who are walking on the pavement. I hope the woman recovers quickly and her arm will be okay and I would love to hear off the cyclist who did not even help her. I feel police should pull over bike users who are on the pavement and do not wear helmets. They do not have the right to do this and why should we ignore it when people are getting hurt as a result?”
by Carty2020
Saturday, September 08 2012, 10:57PM
“Karinfall 1955. I agree with what you said. I don't think I missunderstanding , !!!”
by karinfall1955
Saturday, September 08 2012, 10:06AM
“@Carty2020. I am afraid you misunderstand my post. I approve of helmets, they are sensible, I have worn one myself, however,the way this berk rides he is about to render people insensible. He seems to think himself so invulnerable, that is why I draw attention to his appearance. No other reason. That type of cyclist gives all cyclists a bad name.”