Forum Topic

Reply from the Borough Commander

Following on from Edward's thread I got this from the Borough Commander's office, which I thought was encouraging:Chief Superintendent Valentine has asked me to reply on her behalf regarding the issues you raise. You are right to raise the issue of cyclist riding their bikes on pavements. Having read the forum the thread splits this issue into two. The illegal riding of bikes on pavements and the associated increased risks of an accident and secondly the use of bikes by criminals. I am combating the second issue by working with the local authority undertaking various operations aimed at identifying and arresting such criminals. This will include such activity as putting officers out on pedal cycles and foot and vehicle patrols. Using officers on bikes is very effective because they can use the same 'rat runs' and  alleyways as the cyclists themselves something cars and bikes cannot do. Unfortunately it is not as easy as just asking officers to patrol on bikes as I am bound by guidance which slows the process down but rest assured I will do my best to make it happen as quickly as possible. Whilst we do know who some of the criminals are we do know them all. As in investigating and preventing all crime the use of the public is critical to our success. If anyone knows who these people are they can either call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or contact me direct and I will ensure the information is used confidentially. With regards the second issue the cyclist who ignores red lights etc this is often the commuter cyclist who should know better. These cyclists not only put others at risk but also themselves by ignoring traffic signs etc. I will ask my officers to look out for this but this will not be a priority and needs a wider approach probably lead by Transport for London. Having just arrived on the borough from Hounslow and used the ChiswickW4 site I know how important and useful these forums are. Thanks once again for writing to us with your concerns Dave PageSuperintendent Operations

William Hosking ● 7186d11 Comments

on both sides of the bridge there is a footpath below the bridge on the Thames path.

Andrew Thomas ● 7172d

An idea.  Only trouble is if, as a pedestrian, you want to be on the other side of the road once you have crossed the bridge, you have a very good chance of being hit as you dodge the traffic to get there.  Unless they install pedestrian crossings (completely unlikely).

Caroline MacMillan ● 7174d

Just come back from a holiday in California, and on the Golden Gate Bridge the rules there are that cyclists and pedestrians can use the pavement on one side of the bridge, and only pedestrians can use the other side. Obviously the Golden Gate Bridge is a bit bigger than Hammersmith Bridge, but it does seem a sensible solution.

Andrew Thomas ● 7174d

Yes - I now know where that camera is - I guess it did its job.  I have now bought a decent bike - well, not too expensive.

William Hosking ● 7185d

That was an expensive loaf!

Caroline MacMillan ● 7185d

Just to add to the "hates" - cars that park on cycle lanes.  Unfortunately no-one photographs them - yet - try parking on a bus lane - £40.00.  However, there are cameras all over the place now and I got caught stopping on a double yellow to buy a loaf of bread, so perhaps the cycle lane parkers are getting sussed??

William Hosking ● 7185d

It may be that as the Highway Code allows younger children to cycle on the pavement that legally the 'No Cycling' sign wouldn't necessarily apply to them. Certainly it would be in nobody's interest if families crossing the river on their bikes started using the road. I have no problem with some cyclists using the pavement in instances like this as long as they do so carefully. The real danger from cyclists on the pavements comes from youths and adults cycling too fast not family groups.

Paul Corcoran ● 7185d

Catriona,You must be one of the nice cyclists I do see waiting for lights to change or pushing their bike over Hammersmith Bridge. Thank you.

Caroline MacMillan ● 7185d

This is interesting - both this and the previous post which raised this, and the issue of the website and its use.  I live in Ravenscourt Park and consider myself Hammersmith, not Chiswick.  Would rather use the Hammersmith forum and am glad to see others feel that way too.  Let's keep it up!I am also a commuting cyclist (have been for around 13 years) - Ravenscourt Park to Westminster (used to be Dulwich to Westminster till we saw sense and moved West a year ago).  I am driven INSANE by other cyclists who ignore lights, ride on pavements and generally give us all a bad name.  So often I sit at traffic lights on my own, as other cyclists whizz by, which incidentally, presents a hazard to those of us who do actually observe the lights.  I SO wish the police would do something about this. 

Catriona Sutherland-Hawes ● 7185d

No, they don't have to ride their bikes on that very busy and narrow road.  But signs saying 'no cycling' mean exactly that, irrespective of age.  People dismount and push their bikes over the bridge, and remount the other end.  Many people do that.  Its a pavement for pedestrians, not a cycle track.  Also, its not straight but wiggles round the bridge uprights so a cyclist has absolutely no chance of seeing the pedestrian, particularly if they are pedalling fast until they hit them ...

Caroline MacMillan ● 7185d

My understanding is that children under 11 and any accompanying adults are allowed to cycle on the pavement. You are not seriously suggesting they should be forced to ride on the road over Hammersmith Bridge are you. This would be both dangerous and cause huge delays.

Paul Corcoran ● 7185d

Not all cyclists are commuters.  A few weeks ago I was nearly knocked down by a very fast cyclist on the pedestrian path on Hammersmith Bridge.  Yesterday one cyclist asked me to move over so he and son could cycle past myself and other pedestrians.  I pointed out the sign on the pavement for 'no cyclying' and that he had just passed a written sign saying 'Cyclysts dismount' and he just ignored me and the sign and pedalled on.  Then two adults lined four more children up on their bikes and they all calmly trundled over the bridge on their machines!

Caroline MacMillan ● 7185d