READERS rallied behind an outspoken councillor who criticised cyclists for flouting rules and said he would fight any plans to relax a cycling ban in a pedestrian zone.

Cllr Alan Amos said he would resist any plans to ease a cycling ban in Worcester's High Street at certain times, arguing that it would put the public at risk, including disabled people, elderly people and children.

Cllr Amos visited the city centre last week, challenging several cyclists who rode along the High Street in contravention of the restrictions while thanking those cyclists who dismounted to push their bicycles.

A sign in Worcester High Street makes it clear cyclists cannot ride through between 10am and 6pm but proposals have been made by the cycling lobby to relax the rules. 

Nannie2 wrote: "What's all the fuss about? Surely a pedestrianised zone means it is accessible to those on foot only so that they can walk freely without fear of fright or injury. Good on ya Cllr Amos. You're doing a grand job. It would be good if your fellow councillors also were seen to be so active."

Keirhardieway wrote: "Cyclists can put their feet on the pavement and walk their bikes, but the entitled ones just don't want to! Even worse these days with electric bikes. If there had ever been decent enforcement it wouldn't be the free-for-all it is now."

Hwicce wrote in reply to another comment: "15mph going along a pavement with the elderly, disabled, and blind is a pretty fast speed."

Another reader, writing on the Worcester News site, said: "No doubt this will bring out the whataboutery deflectors trying to deflect their guilt onto motorists."

RECOMMENDED READING: Cyclists flout rules in Worcester High Street says Amos

RECOMMENDED READING: Scammed couple threaten legal action against Malvern council

In a comment which received nearly 100 likes, Ali do wrote: "It’s terrible cyclists just don’t care it’s not all young people older people as well, in a morning they zoom up the high street when children are walking to school. Someone is going to get knocked over."

However, some defended cyclists and said: "Here we go again! May I remind people that not all cyclists break the rules just the minority. Similar to drivers."

GoSHIFT wrote: "GET ON your bike. It's the cheapest, quickest and most space and energy-efficient mode of transport for travelling around Worcester."