Warning to cyclists on pavements after 'near misses' involving pedestrians reported in Doncaster

Concerns have been raised by the Doncaster East neighbourhood policing team on social media this week, following complaints from the public.

A statement on their social media page said: “We have recently had reports of people on their daily exercise narrowly having a near miss with push bikes riding on the pavement.

“Unless the road is particularly dangerous, it is an offence to ride a push bike on a pavement. Please show consideration to pedestrians who have the right of way.”

The post sparked a number of comments from the public on the issue.

One user suggested that if cars were not parked on cycle paths, cyclists would not have to ride on the pavement.

But another posted: “Two bikes shot past me yesterday with barely a foot between me and them – this at Edenthorpe on a two foot wide footpath (clue is in the name) where the road alongside was empty and there is a perfectly good cycle path on the opposite side of the road.

“We were walking on the narrow footpath as the cycle path has been so busy. My dog reacts (due to fear of bikes) but they ignored me requesting them to slow down. Perhaps some patrols could keep an eye out and have a word when they are spotted.”

Another stated: “We went out on bikes yesterday on the red path at Bessacarr and Greenwalk (Rossington to Bessacarr) and got glared at by pedestrians when you say excuse me. Maybe the notice should be to pedestrians taking up the whole path which is also a designated cycle route.“The ones on the new road in Rossington are joint use that is why they are so wide.”

Another social media user added: “It's the speed when riding on the path which is the problem.. Slow down!!”

And another stated: “Parents like to take their kids out and its safer. Small minded people complaining when there is a bigger picture that's with us.”