Crackdown will target cyclists on pavements

Walkers have expressed growing concern at the number of "inconsiderate" bike riders who flout the law by using footpaths instead of roads.

Officers will also carry out random stop checks on bicycles to ensure they are not stolen, after 19 thefts were reported in Worthing last month - 14 of them in the town centre.

Anthony Corcoran, of High Street, Tarring, is one of a host of people to complain after he was twice knocked off his bike by other cyclists and had two near-misses while walking on the pavement.

Mr Corcoran, 63, a solicitor, said: "I get very irritated by cyclists of all ages, not just young people, riding on the pavement. I think it is inexcusable, especially when people live in houses built directly on the pavement. They can easily open their front doors and get hit by these idiots riding, often the wrong way, down their street.

"I ride a bike two miles from my office in Tarring to the centre of Worthing twice a day and always stick to the road."

He said not enough was being done to stop cyclists using pavements.

Police say Operation Cyclone, unveiled last week, will also target late-night cyclists who ride in the dark without using lights.

Inspector Steve Eldridge warned bike thieves would be arrested, while inconsiderate riders faced a 40 fine or a formal warning. "We have a high level of theft of bicycles in the Worthing area. In addition, anti-social riding is a constant cause of irritation in the town. This operation aims to tackle both of these issues.

"Officers will actively target cyclists breaking the law. They will stop and check that bicycles are not stolen. The type of offences we will be looking for are riding on the pavement, without lights and causing annoyance."

Police are also offering crime prevention advice to owners, like keeping a record of the frame number and its description. Insp Eldridge added: "We ask people to invest in a good lock and keep your bicycle secure, even if it is kept in outbuildings. Also ensure your postcode is stamped onto the frame."

To report bicycle crime, call police on 0845 6070999.