Police relaunch campaign against dangerous cyclists

Mar 18, 2020 by James Taylor in Crime

Northumbria Police is bringing back its “Operation Delta” to “prevent cyclists from causing a serious accident”.

“We have received a number of calls from residents in Jesmond about cyclists who have been riding on footpaths in the evenings and not using any lights,” said neighbourhood inspector Anita Morgan.

Cyclists wearing no hi-vis clothing were also the subject of complaints by some residents at a recent North Jesmond ward meeting, saying that it caused them to feel unsafe.

*Jesmond’s residents have complained that cyclists are not visible enough. Image: Tredz.com*

To combat this, Morgan said that the operation – first launched in 2016 – will see officers from the neighbourhood policing team deployed in key areas where the offending is taking place.

“We will be looking to engage with cyclists who are not using lights and offer them appropriate advice to prevent them from causing a serious accident.”

*Officers will help cyclists to become safer. Image: Northumbria Police*

At the ward meeting, attendees apportioned some of the blame to delivery riders using the pavements, specifically outside Waitrose.

Councillors in attendance said they had already contacted Deliveroo about their riders causing problems in the city centre and reminded the company that it is an offence to cycle on the pavement.

Under British law, it is illegal to ride a bike on a pavement that is not a cycle way. The crime is typically punished with a fixed penalty notice of £50, with the maximum court fine set at £500.

Deliveroo told JesmondLocal that it gives safety training to all riders, which includes the importance of abiding the law and respecting members of the public. Riders are regularly reminded of their community responsibilities, with the company providing a customer service team to field any public complaints.

Earlier this month, local police officers met with the Jesmond Residents Association (JRA) to discuss Operation Delta.

Following the meeting, Kathy Cunningham, chair of the JRA, thanked community police for “working in partnership with the JRA and supporting our committee to tackle anti-social behaviour. They will be a valued voice and presence at our meetings.”

Anyone with concerns can email the Operation Delta team: newcastleeast.npt@northumbria.pnn.police.uk