“People don’t want to leave a shop feeling like somebody is about to hit them with a bike”: Businesses call for town centre cycle ban, despite “insufficient evidence” of dangerous cycling + more on the live blog

It feels like it’s been a while since we’ve discussed town centre cycling bans. They were all the rage for a spell in 2024 and 2025, but things have gone – mercifully – quiet on the PSPO front in recent months.

And that’s where the Spalding Business Improvement District comes in. Because this week, the Lincolnshire market town’s BID has called on residents and traders to provide evidence of “persistent” dangerous cycling in Spalding’s centre, in a bid to convince the local council to implement a bike ban.

The move comes as South Holland District Council prepares to renew its Public Space Protection Order later this year. As part of their response to the local authority’s consultation on the PSPO, Spalding BID requested that a restriction on cycling in the town centre be considered.

> “Cyclists are not the problem”: Plan to ban all bikes from city centre due to safety concerns about delivery riders on illegal e-motorbikes slammed – but locals say “anyone with common decency would get off and push!”

According to the BID, “careless” cycling is rampant in Spalding, with people on bikes allegedly speeding, cutting corners, almost hitting pedestrians, and negatively impacting trade at certain parts of the day.

However, the council told the group that there “is currently insufficient evidence to support” a cycling ban in Spalding. So, the BID is now on the hunt to dig out that evidence.

“If you have experienced problems with cyclists in the town centre, we want to hear from you,” the group said in a social media post.

“We’re particularly looking for evidence of: collisions, near misses, or injuries; vulnerable pedestrians being placed at risk; evidence that the issue is persistent and ongoing, rather than isolated incidents; and experiences and statements from businesses, residents, disability groups, and other stakeholders about the impact.”

Anyone with evidence of dangerous or careless cycling in Spalding has been asked to contact the BID by email or through social media, or attend a meeting in person at Hall Place next Tuesday.

“The more evidence we can gather, the stronger our case will be when we ask for action,” the group said.

“If you’ve experienced it, tell us. If you’ve witnessed it, tell us. If it’s affecting your business or making you feel unsafe in the town centre, we want to hear from you.”

> School to sanction ‘dangerous’ young cyclists jumping red lights and forcing drivers to “brake sharply” – as locals warn “disgruntled” motorists will “take matters into their own hands”

I’ve had a scroll through some of the comments under the BID’s social media posts and, to be honest, it seems Spalding’s residents are more concerned about street drinkers and drug users than they are cyclists.

Nevertheless, the BID’s manager Sam Fletcher told LincsOnline this week that many residents are “fearful” of coming into town, thanks to people on bikes riding through it.

“We don’t want to discourage cycling – I am a cyclist myself – and there are some extremely responsible cyclists out there,” she said.

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“This is about appropriate cycling in the right places and respecting that there are people walking around our town centre who don’t want to come out of a shop feeling like somebody is about to hit them with a bike.

“We want people to feel that they can come into town and feel safe and happy. We don’t want anyone to be seriously hurt.

“I’m not saying there is a simple solution, but if the town feels safer, people will be more willing to visit.”

Fletcher added that if the group’s evidence-finding mission discovers that residents and businesses do not want a bike ban in Spalding, the suggestion would not go any further.

> Cyclists should “take own responsibility” for safety says Reform councillor, as Halfords and police join forces for bike lights campaign to “make roads safer”

In case, you’re wondering why Spalding rings a bell, the Lincolnshire market town isn’t new to a safe cycling row.

In March, Spalding Academy said it will sanction students flouting road safety rules, after anonymous locals complained that young people on bikes are jumping red lights, “running into pedestrians”, and causing motorists to “brake sharply” in the town centre.

However, cycling campaigners in the town responded to the claims by urging parents to set a better example when driving to school, criticising the “angry, intolerant” nature of the UK’s roads.

And in January, a Reform UK councillor told cyclists to “take their own responsibility” for their safety on Spalding’s roads, as a campaign was launched in the town, featuring support from Halfords and the local police, urging people on bikes to wear hi-vis clothing and use front and rear lights.

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