More needs to be done to protect pedestrians from cyclists on pavements says Deeside AM

Deeside AM Carl Sargeant says he wants pedestrians to always feel safe when out and about on Deeside pavements.

• 154 cyclists spoken to during Operation Gulf

He has welcomed action by North Wales Police to tackle cycling on pavements, but says more work is needed to protect pedestrians.

Many residents have contacted Mr Sargeant’s office concerned for their safety on the streets of Connah’s Quay, Shotton and Queensferry where cycling on pavements is prevalent.

The Alyn and Deeside AM had previously written to North Wales Police about the ongoing and seemingly growing problem of cyclists riding at speed in the day times, while many ride bikes with no lights on pavements in the evening.

The police have told the Alyn and Deeside Assembly Member about difficulties they have in policing the issue.

In December Mr Sargeant wrote again after learning the police were looking at the problem in Deeside under ‘Operation Gulf, a two-week crackdown targeting cyclists who put pedestrians and themselves at risk.

Carl Sargeant said:

“North Wales Police have told me that Operation Gulf ran for two weeks and officers spoke to 154 cyclists about cycling on the pavement,” said Carl Sargeant.

“They say that no complaints have been received from the public since then. I welcome this action but feel that this is an ongoing problem which needs consistent monitoring and work to make sure pedestrians are protected.

“Cycling on pavements is illegal and dangerous and anything that can be done to stop it should be. I want shoppers on the streets of Deeside to always feel safe.”

While there have been a few reports of ‘near’ misses between cyclists and pedestrians mainly on social media, very few reports emerge of any pedestrian being hit and injured miraculously, there has however been a string of cyclists hit and injured by cars along the Deeside ‘strip’ in recent years.