Cambridgeshire PCC's cyclist clampdown criticised

Cycle campaigners say dangerous drivers are more of a problem than cyclists

The police and crime commissioner's plan to target "anti-social" cyclists in Cambridge has been criticised by bike campaigners.

PCC Sir Graham Bright said officers would patrol the city's "hot spots" looking for cyclists who flout laws.

During one night before Christmas they handed out 54 fines to cyclists without lights and others using pavements.

Jim Chisholm, from Cambridge Cycling Campaign, said dangerous drivers, not cyclists, needed to be targeted.

"I don't think there are that many dangerous cyclists around," he said.

'Safety issues'

"When we look at crash statistics produced by the police we find there have been no serious injuries caused by cyclists to pedestrians on footways, but there have been serious injuries caused by cars to pedestrians on footways.

"I agree wholeheartedly that anyone cycling at night needs to use lights, but I don't really think that dangerous cyclists are a serious concern in terms of injuries.

"And if we want to reduce injuries, it is dangerous driving that we need to reduce."

Sir Graham made the cycling campaign one of his first priorities after taking up the post as PCC.

"During the [election] campaign there were so many people who said it was an issue," he said.

"We're looking at safety as an issue and observing the law.

"We're not talking about every police officer in Cambridgeshire doing this - there are just a few who have been doing this."

He added: "We have flagged this up as an issue and I'm glad we have because people are now aware of it and conscious of the fact that they should be obeying the law.

"Jumping red lights, cycling on pavements, cycling without lights - if a car is caught driving through Cambridge without lights they're in serious trouble and it's got to be just the same for anyone who uses the road."