Preston tackles antisocial cycling at Riverside

Preston City Council, Lancashire Police, and the Environment Agency are working together to promote responsible cycling along Riverside while the Flood Risk Management Scheme road closures are in place.

Riverside is currently closed to traffic to allow construction of the new flood defences to take place. Since the road was closed in April, a number of incidents involving cyclists riding on the pavement and colliding with pedestrians have been reported.

Lancashire Police, as well as staff from the Environment Agency and its contractor VolkerStevin, were out on Riverside on Wednesday morning, 12 July to speak to cyclists and to highlight the need to dismount or to use the Guild Wheel diversion route.

The local Police Community Support Officer will also be increasing patrols in the Riverside area and will take appropriate action against individuals breaching regulations, including issuing fines.

Lancashire Police has received several reports of cyclists riding on pavements and failing to follow the cyclist diversions.

The ongoing failure to follow the diversions is causing risk to public safety after many reports of people being injured or near misses. Section 72 of the Highways Act 1835 prohibits cycling on a footpath.

Cyclists who continue to fail to adhere to the cyclist diversions are liable to be issued with a fixed penalty notice. Preston City Council is using its communication channels to promote cycling etiquette and the diversion in the area.

Diversion Map

Councillor Freddie Bailey, Cabinet member for environment and community safety said:

"Public safety is a priority. The pavements along Riverside are too narrow for cyclists and there have been a couple of accidents, which is not acceptable.

"It will only take a dismounted cyclist a couple of minutes to walk from Miller Park to Penwortham Old Bridge, where they can start cycling again. If a cyclist doesn't want to dismount, then they can use the diversion route along South Meadow Lane and through Andy's Bee Meadow."

Councillor Carol Henshaw, Ward Councillor for the City Centre has been campaigning on behalf of the residents in the area to put a stop to irresponsible cycling. She added:

"Residents are concerned for the safety of the more vulnerable in the community, young children or older residents with poor mobility that are at risk of getting hurt.

"Some cyclists using the path go at breakneck speed and there's not enough time for people to get out of their way. It is only a small section of pathway, and it is very narrow. We are urging cyclists to be respectful of other users and to dismount for the short section."

Peter Miles, the Environment Agency's Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager, also added:

"The road closure along Riverside is essential while we construct the new flood defences. We value the support from local residents and councillors while we work in the area, and we share their concerns about this issue.

"We have invested in signage to clearly indicate the designated cycling routes, and to ensure cyclists are aware of their responsibilities to dismount. We will continue work with the council and local police officers to monitor the situation while our works are ongoing." 

More information

Image caption: Cllr Carol Henshaw with Preston PCSO and representatives from contractor VolkerStevin showing the different signage for cyclists

Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone.