'Oi! Get off the pavement'

Wheelies upsetting Brixham resident

A Brixham resident has called on Torbay Council to put no cycling signs on a street because of “dangerous and disrespectful” young people.

Speaking at a full council meeting, Brixham resident Nigel Holyhead said schoolchildren riding on Fore Street, Brixham, putting people at risk.

Mr Holyhead argued: “We do have a problem with youngsters riding up and down after school doing wheelies – which I think you can appreciate is not a good thing.

He added: “It seems to be a badge of pride among youngsters” to leave their bikes laying across doorways when they go into shops. 

“I don’t actually blame the kids,” said Mr Holyhead, “because it’s the sort of rebellious thing teenagers do – that’s what I’ve done when I was that age, but the adult world is letting the kids do it!

“It is dangerous and it’s disrespectful.” 

Mr Holyhead wants no cycling signs at either end of the street and in the two alleys leading to a nearby car park. 

There are ‘pedestrian zone’ no-vehicle signs on the street. Mr Holyhead said a lot of cyclists don’t understand that ‘no vehicles’ also means no bicycles. 

Councillor Mike Morey (Independent Group, Furzeham with Summercombe), cabinet member for infrastructure, environment and culture said the old ‘no cycling’ signs were removed to “avoid conflict” with the ‘no vehicle’ warnings. 

Cllr Morey said he had tried to add no cycling signs but was told by Torbay Council’s highways department that it couldn’t be done berceuse it would cause too much confusion with the ‘no vehicles’ sign. 

He added: “If there is a solution to be had then we’ll carry on looking.”

The council says it will contact nearby colleges and schools and ask them to tell pupils that Fore Street is not a cycling route. 

Categories: Highways