Cambridge cyclists warned of police operation by passer by

Police in Cambridge issued ten fixed penalty notices last week in a crackdown against cyclists riding the wrong way up a one-way street last Thursday, but were unaware that further up the street, a woman was warning other bike riders of the operation.

According to the website Cambridge News, police say that they would have arrested the woman for obstruction had they known what she was doing.

The police operation took place on the city’s Sidney Sussex Street, where officers managed to stop more than 20 cyclists for ignoring one-way signs and for riding their bikes in a no-cycling zone. They also checked for stolen bicycles and issued advice on bike security.

Bystander Royston Rose told Cambridge News that he had seen the woman tell as many as ten other cyclists of the police presence.

After giving his backing to the operation, he added: “Not so well done to the young woman who positioned herself further up the street to warn the law-breaking cyclists of the police activity.

“She and many others I am sure will feel she was performing a public service. How are we ever to rid Cambridge of the scourge of irresponsible cyclists whilst they are supported by such idiots as this young woman?”

PC Katie Norman told the website: “Many cyclists ignore the no entry signs in Sidney Street and many feel it is fine for them to continue cycling.

“We wanted to remind cyclists they were breaking the law and issued them with a £30 fine.

“We also took this opportunity to carry out checks for stolen cycles and educate cyclists about immobilize” – the website www.immobilise.com where owners can register their bike’s details – “and give general cycle crime prevention advice.”

PC Norman added: “The immobilise website is a great tool for uniting victims of bike crime with their property. I strongly suggest that cyclists visit the site and register their bikes today.”