CYCLISTS might brave bad weather and inconsiderate motorists as they make their way around town but they've never had to worry about speed cameras - until now.

Pacy pedallers racing along Bournemouth seafront were in for a shock yesterday as they were accosted with the tell-tale flash of a special speed camera.

Seafront officers from Bournemouth and Poole were monitoring the promenade in Boscombe, warning cyclists they were exceeding the 10mph speed limit and handing out leaflets.

And while the radar guns will not be popular with everyone, most cyclists seemed to welcome the official guidance.

Chris Saunders, business development manager at Bournemouth Borough Council, said: "We could prosecute speeding cyclists under the by-laws if it really came down to it but this campaign is more about education.

"We're trying to ensure that cyclists and pedestrians respect each other. They generally mix quite well but we just want to ensure that both sides understand their responsibilities."

Officers will be out and about in Poole today trying to reach yet more cyclists and plan to use the speed camera again in the future.

But they are adamant that they do not want the campaign to deter anyone from Cycling safely along the promenade and are keen to encourage as many people as possible to get on their bikes to commute to work.

Ray Turner, the Borough of Poole's beach manager, said: "It's a fantastic way of commuting to work, they've just got to do it safely and sensibly.

"A lot of people have shown a genuine interest in what we are doing here; genuine cyclists have been very pleased, have taken a leaflet and have welcomed what both councils are doing."

Cycling along Bournemouth and Poole seafront is not permitted between 10am and 7pm from June 21 to September 13.

When it is permitted, pedestrians retain right of way and a speed limit of 10mph applies. Cyclists must also dismount and push their bikes on specified parts of the promenade, zig-zag pathways and Bournemouth Pier Approach.

First published: Sept 3