POLICE have come down hard on cyclists who are risking lives as well as hefty fines by riding in banned areas in Bournemouth.

Shoppers and those enjoying the town's parks and beaches are at risk from those who continually break the rules.

Now police and council staff have warned that £60 on-the-spot fines will continue to be handed out in the coming weeks.

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Police issued several fines to cyclists in Bournemouth Square yesterday and warned that their colleagues in the council have the authority to fine cyclists in the gardens and those speeding along the seafront.

"This is an ongoing initiative," said a spokesman for Dorset Police.

"Police officers, Police Community Support Officers, parks wardens and beach wardens all have the authority to fine those cycling where they shouldn't be."

He said Dorset Police does not wish to discourage cyclists but wants to ensure they push their bikes in areas where cycling is prohibited.

Chris Saunders, business development manager at Bournemouth council, said: "We take cycling restrictions very seriously and enforce them where necessary.

"However, the cycling restrictions on the promenade are lifted as from today and cyclists can use it whenever they like.

"We do urge cyclists to pay due care and attention throughout their entire journey dismounting as directed in certain areas by signs and markings."

The issue regularly causes problems for Daily Echo readers with many voicing their concerns through the letters pages.

Anne Radford of Meyrick Road, Bournemouth said too many cyclists use pavements in the town.

"There are a lot of elderly people in Bournemouth either living here or on holiday and they don't want someone hurtling round a corner and giving them a fright," she said.

"Something has to be done to prevent this unlawful behaviour - after all, bicycles should be on the road, not the pavement."

First published: September 1