YOUR correspondent ‘Concerned’ shows that even after all the letters in the Journal a few weeks ago the people of Leigh are still worried about the antics of irresponsible cyclists.
I drew the attention of Andy Burnham to the earlier correspondence and he put me in touch with Chief Inspector Wrudd of Greater Manchester Police.
He confirmed that cycling on the pavement is an offence under section 72 of the Highways Act 1835 as amended by section 85(1) of the Local Government Act of 1888.
Also the police have the power to issue fixed penalty notices of £30 to individuals over 16.
I have also discovered that between 2008 and 2012 nine pedestrians in Britain were killed by cyclists so we are talking about a serious issue. No less an authority than Chris Hoy has said that nothing winds him up more than bad manners on a bike.
Chief Inspector Wrudd promised to alert his officers to pay particular attention to the area around the town centre and Bradshawgate but I have yet to see any evidence of this.
Last week I was driving along St Helens Road when I was confronted by a cyclist riding in the road for once but in the wrong direction.
I suggest that those of you who want to see a safer Leigh write to Chief Inspector Wrudd at Wigan Divisional Police headquarters, Robin Park Road, Wigan, WN5 0UP.
And the more the merrier.
FORMER CYCLIST
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