Shropshire Star

Letter: Reminder to cyclists using footpaths after near misses

Following a number of "near misses", as one of the Neighbourhood Watch Co-Ordinators in Radbrook Green can I please ask cyclists using the footpaths, especially those connecting Bank Farm Road with Roman Road to remember that they are footpaths, not cycle tracks and use them appropriately.

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I have had a number of complaints from pedestrians that they have been forced off the paths by cyclists.

I had an incident myself recently when a woman cyclist insisted on riding down the middle of the path not making any effort to give me room. And I have also twice seen a male, in full racing gear, riding absolutely flat out, regardless of the fact that should a child, dog or elderly person step into his path he would never be able to stop and the resulting accident could result in serious injury, or even be fatal.

We have no desire to stop bikes using the paths – it's obviously sensible to do so with the congestion on local roads – but cyclists must remember that pedestrians have total priority except on the official cycle paths. They must remember that bikes are almost soundless so it's really necessary to warn walkers as you come up to them by using a bell or other warning device – which since the 1970s must legally be fitted to every cycle. And remember that, especially where side paths join the main one, visibility is often not so speed must be kept down.

These paths are a great asset to everyone and I am sure that with consideration we can all use them safely.

N Purcell, Radbrook Green

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