A CALL for what would be Liverpool’s first legal speed limit for cyclists has been made by a city councillor. It comes as the council prepares for the launch of its first ever cycle-hire scheme.

Mossley Hill Lib Dem councillor Tina Gould wants the city council at its July meeting to consider a speed limit along Otterspool Promenade which runs alongside the River Mersey for several miles in South Liverpool.

It follows pleas from pedestrians using the walkway who complained some cyclists use the promenade as a speed track.

Elegant Cyclists In LiverpoolElegantCllr Gould said: “The last think I want to do is deter people from cycling and I am delighted we are getting a cycle hire scheme in the city. But the promenade is shared by cyclists and pedestrians, often child walkers, and at times in the summer the place is crowded.

“Most cyclists use common sense and adjust their speeds accordingly, but others race along at a terrifically fast speed. I have heard people talk of 15 to 20 mph which is far too quick for what is essentially a pedestrian walk way.

“Regular users of the prom tell me it is only a matter of time before an accident occurs with serious consequences.  We need either a legal speed limit and/or signs to warn cyclists of the dangers of going too fast when the prom is packed with pedestrians.”

InelegantInelegantIn the motion she has submitted Cllr Gould says: “Council welcomes the increasing use of Otterspool Promenade as a recreational area of the river front.  Council notes that the Promenade is used by pedestrians and cyclists and whilst we encourage more people to use cycles as a green mode of transport, it notes the concerns of some pedestrians by the speed of some cyclists. 

Council requests that the Cabinet Member for Transport investigate this situation and  look at the possibility of introducing a bye-law which would place a speed limit on cyclists using Otterspool Promenade. 

If a bye-law is not feasible Council requests a publicity campaign which would raise awareness of this issue to try and ensure that the promenade remains a safe place for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy.”

Since multi-million pound improvement work was completed at Otterspool, the riverfront in south Liverpool has become a major visitor attraction, particularly for families wanting a day out during the warm summer weather.  

Linked with the riverfront promenade at Brunswick and Queens Docks, it also provides a road-traffic free cycle route stretching several miles from Grassendale virtually into the heart of Liverpool. This has encouraged increasing numbers of city centre workers to commute to their jobs by cycle.

Added Cllr Gould: “This issue needs to be carefully looked at now rather than wait until there is an unfortunate incident. If cyclists adjust their speeds according to conditions that would be fine, but unfortunately far too many ride at excessive speeds when the prom is busy with pedestrians.”

 

The issue is scheduled to come before the city council on July 17. 

 

Footnotes

 

Many years ago a 15mph speed limit was introduced around the perimeter road of Sefton Park. This bye-law set a maximum fine of 40s (£2) for speeders, though the rules appears to have become obsolete.
 
Under the Highway Code there is no separate speed limit advice for cycles, apart from complying with limits set for all roads.
 
Cyclists can face prosecution, for offences such as ‘cycling furiously’ – but it would be interesting to know when that charges was used anywhere in the UK.
 
In 2004 the Department of Transport, in a discussion document suggested cyclists wanting to travel at more than 18mph should be riding on the roads.