BBC broadcaster Jeremy Vine has offered to pay the fine of a woman who was booked for cycling in Bedford town centre, reasoning, “I don't want her to be put off cycling for a second.”
On July 25, Ottilie Quince tweeted:
She later added that it was the lady’s first outing on her new bike.
Vine replied: “Please can I pay this lady's fine. I don't want her to be put off cycling for a second.”
Bedford Borough Council then explained: “We do encourage cycling but there is a restriction at certain times in the pedestrianised area of the town centre to ensure it continues to be a safe & pleasant place for all visitors, following requests by local residents & businesses. Signage is in place to make people aware.”
Bedford is one of a number of towns to have imposed a cycling ban using a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) with cycling not permitted in certain parts of the town centre between 9am and 6pm.
PSPOs have drawn criticism from Cycling UK for the way in which they target cycling as a whole rather than only those who cause a danger or nuisance through the manner of their cycling.
In February, round-the-world cyclist Josh Quigley was handed a £75 fine for riding his bike in Bedford, not realising it was an offence.
The Livingstone cyclist, who was just a week into his trip, tore up the ticket and said he wouldn’t pay. He argued that local councils should be encouraging people to get on their bikes, not punishing them.
In March, Bedford Borough Council consulted on the renewal of the PSPO. An announcement as to whether it will be extended for another three years is expected soon.
Bore off Nige "leading road safety expert".
Murica, f*** yeah! Why isn't this at all surprising? I guess the surprise is they didn't shoot him.
I think road pricing is on its way for all cars. The infrastructure going in across the country is set up for that, it will still be a politically ...
Sounds like the council's drivers / maintenance contractors - and their street designers - aren't fit for purpose......
Isn't that what they mean by a grace period?
Nonsense. We all know that for the sudden appearance of cyclists in front of you tidal waves, landslips, falling chimneys, terrorist (or other)...
It had an, entirely unnecessary, attack on the Conservative party....
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Agree, no matter how attractive the rail lines may seem for a new cyclepath as they have attracting elevation profiles for lazy people like me,...
The types of bike with be quite varied covering all corners of the market. Road bikes, Mountain, Hybrid, E-Bikes, Childrens, City. You name it they...