Tricycle rider calls for changes to barriers

David Ellis rides a tricycle due to balance problems

A tricycle rider has called for barriers put in to stop off-road bikers to be widened to let him through.

David Ellis, 74, who has arthritis and diabetes, rides a tricycle because of balance problems and said he cannot easily get past the metal barriers on Castle Eden Walkway near Oxbridge Lane in Stockton.

The retired Royal Marine said he explained his position to Stockton Council before the barriers were installed and hoped the authority would take his needs into account.

However, deputy council leader Paul Rowling said officers had met Mr Ellis to hear his concerns, but that the barriers were reintroduced in January to tackle motorbike and quad bike problems.

Mr Ellis said he has to turn his handlebars 90 degrees and carry his bike - weighing 17kg - through the barriers.

"I can't do it now because I was getting a bad back from lifting the thing," he said.

"I understand why they've got to do something, I'm not disputing that, people are complaining about quad bikes and motorbikes.

"But why should I be punished?"

David Ellis believes the barriers need to be slightly altered to let tricycles through

Mr Ellis said the problem could be easily fixed by bending the barriers outwards to accommodate tricycles, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Rowling said the barriers "balance safety with accessibility as far as practicable".

"We understand that Mr Ellis is disappointed that the barriers do not accommodate his tricycle mobility scooter," he said.

"Unfortunately, we need to balance the needs of a wide range of people using the walkway while ensuring that the area remains as safe as possible."