Police warning to cyclists after lockdown sees riders posing a hazard in Hartlepool

Officers are making the plea due to the number of people taking up or returning to cycling as their daily exercise following the coronavirus lockdown.

Hartlepool Neighbourhood Police Team have urged cyclists to look at The Highway Code, and stressed in particular how cyclists are not permitted to use the pavement, which they have had complaints over.

A spokesman said: “Many people have taken to cycling as their daily exercise and for some it may be a new experience or have been some time since they were on a bike.

“In Hartlepool police have received some complaints about cyclists on the footpath in the Headland area, causing a risk to pedestrians.

“Cycling on a pavement or footway is unlawful. Please be considerate and cycle in a way which maximizes your own safety and reduces risk to others.”

Police have called on cyclists to take the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the rules of The Highway Code.

The code covers key rules cyclists should follow to keep themselves safe, including wearing a helmet, road safety and use of designated cycle routes.

Key guidance for cyclists in the code includes how they should ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends, and follow traffic light instructions.

It also states they should not ride close behind another vehicle, they should be considerate of other road users and take care when overtaking, including looking well ahead for obstructions in the road.

It also includes information around helmets, which states cyclists should wear one which conforms to regulations, be the correct size for their head and be securely fastened.

Guidance also states that clothing should be tight fitted to prevent getting tangled in the chain, light and fluorescent where possible to help stand out, and that reflective bike accessories and lights should be used in the dark.

The full code can be viewed online at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code.

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