Lincolnshire Police say they are working with South Holland District Council on plans to stop cyclists biking on Spalding’s path and pedestrianised areas.
Earlier this year those behind the Spalding Business Improvement District (BID) asked people to speak to them about incidents involving cycling in town after it asked for measures to curb such behaviour be included in a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the town.
It is illegal to cycle on the pavements and in the pedestrianised areas.
Police are responsible for enforcing it, but have widely reported issues in policing such instances due to staffing issues.
The BID has stated it was told there ‘wasn’t enough evidence’ to include cycling as part of the PSPO.
But following its plea for people to speak about it, it has been ‘overwhelmed’ after receiving 146 comments in two weeks.
A spokesman said: “The vast majority support the need for people to be more responsible when cycling through the main town centre, particularly on pavements and pedestrian areas.
“Many of the comments shared genuinely concerning experiences, including near misses and people being hit by cyclists.
“We also heard from people who now feel frightened about coming into town because they’re worried about being knocked over.
“There were also reports of cyclists, including school-aged children, travelling the wrong way along Vine Street and Broad Street – creating potentially dangerous situations for both cyclists and pedestrians.
“This isn’t about being anti-cycling.
“Cycling is an important part of our town and our wider transport network. It’s about sharing our town centre responsibly and safely, and making sure pedestrians and cyclists can both use our streets without putting others at unnecessary risk.”
Those behind BID say its handed overs its findings to Lincolnshire Police, South Holland District Council Community Safety Team, Lincolnshire County Council, Active Travel, PEDALS cycling group and local secondary schools.
A spokesman for Lincolnshire Police said: “We have been contacted by Spalding BID in relation to cycling issues in the town centre. We are working with South Holland District Council to explore solutions to the issue.”
The current PSPO for Spalding runs out of being legally enforceable on Wednesday, December 23.
The PSPO is ‘in place in order to improve the quality of life for those living, working and visiting the area’ the district council says.
