Cyclist fined for riding on M65 near Blackburn

A cyclist who was stopped and fined for riding on the hard shoulder of the M65 has been heavily criticised by police and safety campaigners.

The incident happened at around 1.55pm on Sunday, April 2, between junctions five and six, near Blackburn.

For those not sure, pedal cyclists are not permitted to cycle down the hard shoulder. This rider was taken off the M65 & given a fine #t3rpu pic.twitter.com/JDC6mNkgWc

— Lancs Road Police (@LancsRoadPolice) April 2, 2017

A police spokesperson added:

"Road policing officers came across a pedal cyclist riding along the westbound carriageway of the M65 close to the junction exit at around 1.55pm on Sunday.

"A 25-year-old man had been riding home from work in Accrington to his home in Blackburn and decided to use the motorway. He was picked up by officers and given a fixed penalty notice, as well as a severe warning about his behaviour.

"This could have been extremely dangerous for both the cyclist and other motorists and thankfully no one was hurt.”

Nick Lloyd, road safety manager for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said: "Cyclists, pedestrians and motorbikes under 50cc are not allowed on the motorway – and this includes the hard shoulder – for good reason.

"By cycling on the hard shoulder the rider was placing his life in extreme danger. If a collision were to occur it would result in almost certain death. The rider is also by his action putting other motorists’ lives at risk as it would act as a major distraction.”

Last month a cyclist was filmed riding on Glasgow's M8 motorway and was said to have been "fearful and in tears” by the man who shot the footage.

“Other car drivers were really annoyed," he said. "That area of Glasgow at that time is a nightmare as it is. Drivers were angry – overtaking at speed, horns going, you name it."