Forum Topic

Bedford Bans Bikes and Scooters From Town Centre

https://www.bedford.gov.uk/environmental-issues/community-safety/town-centre-cycling-restrictions/?fbclid=IwAR3T0Q9A_3QkyVDRCoDt59TD8bO1vW4fC83sN_A6SWbSyj-l6AElVMbE9_YTown centre cycling restrictionsA Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) has been put in place following consultation suggesting that reckless riding of bicycles in Bedford town centre was reducing the quality of life of residents.The PSPO restricts cyclists from riding bikes through the main pedestrian area of Bedford Town Centre from 9am to 6pm.A penalty of £75 may be issued by a police officer or authorised person to anyone cycling through the main pedestrian area from 9am to 6pm.The PSPO came into force 19 June 2019.    View a copy of the PSPO here (PDF)    View a map of the PSPO designated area (PDF)E-scooters It is illegal to ride e-scooters on any public road or footway and this includes Bedford town centre. The Council also does not give permission for e-scooters to be used on any Council land including our parks and open spaces. If you are caught doing so the Police can issue offenders with:    six points on a driving licence    £300 fine    the scooter seizedSee information on the Bedfordshire Police website.Much cheaper than an unused cycleway.

Claire Moran ● 1670d10 Comments

Shame we can't ban them here.

Elle Jones ● 1670d

Which pedestrianised area in Chiswick would you ban them from? This Bedford ban is specifically about the areas that are closed to motor traffic

Alexandra McDevitt ● 1670d

Precisely.  It would be good to have them banned from pavements but of course they really are supposed to be and they should also be taking note of the hierarchy of users of roads and public areas in the Highway Code ie taking great care around pedestrians many of whom may not hear or see them approaching especially ftom behind and certainly cannot just jump out of the way.Www.gov.uk and search "Highway Code".  The relevant laws are referenced.

Philippa Bond ● 1669d

Alexandra, I believe in this country its called the pavement.

David Lesniak ● 1669d

Bedford has greater areas of pedestrianisation.  Even when banned from shopping malls and shops they are still appearing underfoot as a trip hazard.  More consideration of others more vulnerable needed!

Philippa Bond ● 1669d

The poster said let’s do the same in Chiswick.  Bedford had banned both motor vehicles and bikes from certain areas. So theoretically David you may be right because motor vehicles are also not allowed on pavements in Chiswick. But I doubt the good people of Chiswick would welcome a ban on motor vehicles

Alexandra McDevitt ● 1669d

Of course, Alexandra, we could implement a PSPO banning bikes and scooters, etc. from the pavement.Not really rocket science given the original post.

David Lesniak ● 1668d

They’re already banned aren’t they? I know people ignore that which irritates me enormously as a cyclist. I was merely pointing out that Bedford haven’t just banned bikes from the town centre they’ve also banned cars so a bit pointless posting it as if it might give hope to all the people here in lovely Chiswick who hate all cycling and cyclists and want us gone from the roads. Clearly this is not an  example of something worth looking in to. That was the only reason I replied to the post. I don’t normally get involved in too many discussions on this forum anymore as it’s become so unpleasant. Which is a huge shame because when you talk to people in person there are way more lovely people in the area than you’d think based on the posts here.

Alexandra McDevitt ● 1668d

I think there's a clue to the reason for banning cycles, along with any other traffic, in the words 'pedestrian area'. That's not to say that Bedford shouldn't consider providing some suitable cycle facilities through the town centre - unless they already have.

Peter Evans ● 1668d

Have you ever seen a motor scooter that isn't 'L' plated?  I can't remember when I last did.  Surely it's time they were tested before they pick up and reinforce more bad habits.It's the same with cyclists - so many who may not have the confidence to cycle on the roads would do well to get some Cycle Training and not pick up bad habits..  All Councils seem to offer this and there is also free Online Cycle Training available.  Joining a Cycling Group can help you to gain confidence (and it is a good opportunity to get insurance). I yelled at another in the park today for creeping up behind us without any warning. For goodness sake get a bell and find some manners.  The Highway Code guidance is for ALL of us.  www.hounslow.gov.uk    www.ealing.gov.uk

Philippa Bond ● 1668d