This Sunday (August 1st) Bristol City Council launches a pilot scheme in Central Bristol to reduce anti-social cycling and driving behaviours.The pilot will run in partnership with Avon and Somerset Constabulary and Life Cycle UK.
The scheme aims to provide education rather than tickets to cyclists and motorists who break the rules of the Highway Code.
If a cyclist is found cycling on the pavement they will be given the option of taking a one-hour adult cycle training lesson with Life Cycle UK or receiving a £30 ticket – the standard penalty for riding on the pavement.
Tim Wye, Life Cycle UK Director said: “People sometimes cycle on the pavement because they lack confidence to cycle on the road, so giving them a lesson can help them to cycle more appropriately.
"The more we can do to promote respect to all road users – be they cyclists, motorists or pedestrians – the better for everyone.”
The pilot, which starts on Sunday, 1 August, will initially concentrate on cyclists.
If the scheme is deemed to be successful it wll also be rolled out to include motorists who drive or stop in cycle zones (eg parking in cycle lanes or purposely stopping into advanced cycle lanes).
Life Cycle UK will be designing a cycle awareness course for motorists. Again they will have the chance to attend rather than pay the fine.
Both courses will cost £15 instead of a £30 fine and the discretion to offer the course will be with the individual police officer.
This pilot is part of a Greater Bristol Cycling City project aim to make cycling safer across Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
I'm for it. Some people won't be. Anything that improves the behaviour of cyclists so pedestrians and motorists have a better impression has to be a good thing - or not?
