Cllr Roger Rigby has written to the Bedfordshire on Sunday to express his concern at the proposed return of cyclists to Bedford town centre.
There has for a number of years been a blanket ban on cyclists travelling through the town centre. Bedford Borough Council is, however, undertaking a trial allowing cyclists into the area between the hours of 6pm and 9am.
Cllr Rigby’s letter reads as follows:
As a former shop owner based in the pedestrianised area I can recall when cycling was last allowed in the town centre (BoS, 21.06.15). I also recall why it was stopped after a long and difficult campaign because whilst the majority of cyclists rode with due care and attention, there was a rogue element that had no regard for the safety of pedestrians. I know that this is still true today when I see people flouting the law by riding carelessly on town centre footpaths.
The Council must do everything it can to protect the pedestrianised area to ensure that visitors feel safe and I believe that the pedestrianised area should do what it says on the tin. I am therefore concerned that allowing cyclists to use the town centre from 6pm – 9am could put elderly and disabled people and families in harm’s way.
There is also a risk that if the new rules are not properly enforced then we will see an increase in people cycling in the town centre during peak shopping hours due to not understanding the ban between 9am – 6pm.
Cllr Roger Rigby (Con)
Bromham & Biddenham Ward