Reckless cycling in Douglas puts shoppers at risk, police say

People breaking the law by cycling on pedestrianised streets can be fined £2,500

People cycling "recklessly" through key shopping streets in the Isle of Man's capital are putting pedestrians at risk, police have said.

Officers have teamed up with Douglas City Council to remind residents cycling at speed where it is banned can lead to a £2,500 fine.

The authority said dozens had complained about "dangerous cycling".

Insp Chas Maloney said those responsible were a "small minority of individuals".

'Irresponsible'

Douglas City Centre Manager, Oliver Cheshire, said the council had "long supported" plans to encourage more people to cycle in and around Douglas.

An active travel strategy was published in 2019 "with cycling very much at its core", he said.

However, complaints about people cycling illegally on Strand Street, Castle Street and Duke Street had led the authority to remind cyclists that the safety of shoppers could be put at risk by those who flout traffic restrictions, Mr Cheshire added.

"There are so many other areas to cycle in and around Douglas and we would encourage people to do so in a careful and considerate manner."

Insp Maloney said: "We have witnessed, first-hand, cycling through the main shopping centre, some of it is quite reckless and dangerous".

He said a "small minority of individuals" acted in an "irresponsible manner", putting themselves and pedestrians, "some of whom are less able or visually impaired", at risk.

Cyclists should dismount and walk with their bicycles through all pedestrian zones, he added.

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