BOLLARD covers warning cyclists about new rules in Worcester have been slammed as “tacky” and “negative” by one of the city council’s biggest active travel advocates.

Cllr Louis Stephen, leader of the Green Party in Worcester, voted against a public space protection order (PSPO) being put in place.

There was a lot wrangling over the wording but it was eventually passed by a casting vote from the chair of the city council's communities committee, Cllr James Stanley, meaning those who cycle or skateboard dangerously, persistently beg aggressively or feed gulls could be fined £100. 

The signs warning the public about the rules seems to centre on cycling, though, with Cllr Stephen arguing the messaging is counterproductive.

"This is a very divisive topic,” he said.

“When the subject came to committee the vote was split 50:50, I voted against and the measures only went through with the chair's casting vote.

“The bollard covers look tacky and I believe the messages are negative and unwelcoming to visitors and local residents."

Dan Brothwell, chairman of city cycling campaigners Bike Worcester, echoed those sentiments.

“It is not very welcoming and that is an understatement,” said Mr Brothwell.

“I think they are really unpleasant and pretty ugly as well. I understand the reasons for the PSPO being put in, I was consulted on that and I suggested it wasn’t a very good idea but I get that it is here and with us.

“Seeing them plastered all over the town, I don’t think I have ever been bombarded with the risk of a £100 fine as much as I was on Saturday when I visited town.

“The notion of dangerous cycling is not defined. There needs to be perspective with that.

“If you are walking you may think a cyclist is going too fast or close but from the perspective of the cyclist that may have been pretty reasonable.

“Having the signs up will probably cause conflict, they empower people to speak out and the global share with care message would be far more appropriate, to encourage everyone to get along next to each other and just get on with it.

“That would be reasonable, I don’t think this is.”

Mr Brothwell delivered his verdict to the city council prior to the measures coming in and he feels the PSPO itself is unnecessary.

Asked what he would like to see happen next, Mr Brothwell replied: “I don’t know how long we have to wait for the PSPO to be removed, and the cycling ban during certain hours in the city.

“I think we should be encouraging active travel and for short journeys to be made on foot or by bike, not in cars.”