Cyclists attack police 'harassment'

Police have been criticised for targeting cyclists passing through a beauty spot that forms part of the 2012 Olympics cycling road race course.

Officers recently handed out leaflets around Box Hill in the North Downs, Surrey, warning that "careless and inconsiderate riding" could result in a £1,000 fine.

Cyclists claimed the move "smacked almost of harassment" after Surrey Police said they were responding to concerns that those riding in large groups or two abreast were causing cars to slow down.

British cyclist Mark Cavendish, who won the men's road race title at the World Championships in Copenhagen yesterday, is hoping to win a gold medal next year on the 240km Olympic route, which takes in Box Hill as part of a large loop through Surrey.

The leaflet handed out by Surrey Police reads: "Careless & inconsiderate riding: If a person rides a cycle, on a road, without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road, is guilty of an offence (sic). £1,000 fine."

Cyclists responded angrily on the website of Cycling Weekly, accusing officers of unfairly targeting them instead of drivers.

One reader wrote: "This smacks almost of harassment of cyclists - the police have obviously had some complaints from held-up motorists, and decided to intimidate/encourage cyclists to stay away."

Another added: "They wouldn't pursue motorists with the same zeal because it would be unpopular and require more effort."

Inspector Terri Poulton, from Surrey Police, left a comment on the site apologising for the "blunt, inappropriate" wording of the leaflet.

She added in a statement: "We have seen a significant increase in the numbers of on and off-road cyclists, motorists, walkers and horse-riders, and this has caused a number of issues with these competing groups and indeed with local residents.

"In the light of a number of incidents in and around Box Hill we are concerned for the safety of some road users, which include cyclists, who might be putting themselves at risk unnecessarily.

"We are working closely with local cycling groups, and officers have been providing them with up-to-date cycle safety advice plus reminding cyclists not to ride more than two abreast.

"In addition, over the next few months, in partnership with Surrey County Council, we intend to run a campaign with both cyclists and motorists to encourage these two groups to be considerate of one another when out on the county's roads."

Alex Bailey, spokesman for CTC, the UK's national cyclists' organisation, said: "The experience of many frequent cyclists is that of course we get criticised in the popular imagination for slowing traffic down - but my experience of cycling to work is I am delayed by congestion caused by cars.

"Experienced cyclists will have read that with a wry smile. They will have recognised the flaws in the suggestion that cyclists slow down the traffic - because we are traffic.

"CTC tries to encourage cyclists, through its training programmes, to be part of the traffic flow. We don't condone bad cycling, just as you wouldn't expect the AA or RAC to condone bad driving."

AA president Edmund King, who is also a keen cyclist, added: "This dispute seems to have been blown out of proportion. Often cyclists are drivers and drivers are cyclists.

"We are not 'two tribes going to war' so need to live in harmony on the highways and byways of Britain.

"Whatever your chosen mode of transport you should show consideration for other road users."

PA