Sympathy for cyclists: Bournemouth beachgoers 'disappointed' at council's decision to ban bikes from beach
Cycling, skating and skateboarding are not permitted on the seafront promenades or paths between 10am and 6pm
Cycling, skateboarding and scooting along the seafront between Bournemouth and Poole will be prohibited from today.
The ban applies between 10 am and 6 pm in the months of July and August when the beach is at its busiest.
We’ve heard from people on the beach today who aren’t sold on the idea: “I think it's silly, I think it's spoiling lots of people's fun. We cycle up and down here and we're very cautious of pedestrians,” one beachgoer said.
Restrictions include the use of Beryl bikes and e-scooters, Chris Charalambous said: “It’s very disappointing. I think it’s a few bad eggs who cause a few crashes that let cyclists, who don't cause crashes, down”
Trevor added: “It's not everybody, it's just two or three that aren't using any common sense, but you can't just stop people from using bikes.”
A few members of the public did, however, agree with the council’s decision and called cycling on the promenade “dangerous.”
John, a beach hut tenant on the Bournemouth beach, said: “If it prevents accidents, it's a reasonable idea. The last thing you want is to run over a child so I'm quite happy with it.”
A lady replied: “It is a good idea and especially now that we've got electric scooters. I think the scooters are probably more dangerous than the bikes.”
Cyclist Jim disagreed, he said: “Providing there’s a cycle lane and everybody abides by the rules, it shouldn't be a problem. If you’re a good enough rider, you've got a bell, you’ve got brakes, it's not a problem.”
Chris said: “If you're careful and you look at where you're going then it’s safer than the alternative of forcing cyclists onto already congested roads.”
BCP Council warns cycling on the seafront when the ban is in place could lead to prosecution.
They also advise people using bikes, skateboards and e-scooters outside the summer ban to keep their speed below 10mph and give way to pedestrians or dismount if extremely busy.