Written question asked by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Conservative) on Monday, 28 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 7 July 2004. It was answered by Caroline Flint (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 July 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what guidance he has offered to police forces on (a) the prevention of cyclists using footpaths and pavements and (b) the steps to be taken against cyclists who use footpaths and pavements.

Answer: Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he has offered to police forces on (a) the prevention of cyclists using footpaths and pavements and (b) the steps to be taken against cyclists who use footpaths and pavements. [181683] Caroline Flint: Chief officers of police are best placed to assess the nature and cause of cycling offences locally and to decide the most appropriate response. The Government do not condone irresponsible cycling and will continue to promote safe behaviour on bicycles. To help the police with enforcement we have made it possible for Community Support Officers (CSOs) appointed under the Police Reform Act 2002 to issue £30 fixed penalty notices for cycling inconsiderately or irresponsibly on pavements. The cycling infrastructure and environment are currently under improvement as a result of our National Cycling strategy. We expect this improvement to reduce the incentive to cycle on the pavement.

Secondary information