Kelsey Park cycling ban causes Twitter fury

The council said the cycle ban has always been applied "with sensitivity and discretion" The council said the cycle ban has always been applied "with sensitivity and discretion"

VISITORS to Kelsey Park in Beckenham are being reminded that cycling is not permitted.

This follows reports of some cyclists said to have been causing "potential danger" to other people.

The matter was first brought to the attention of Bromley Council by the Friends of Kelsey Park.

Parents who take their children to the park to cycle took to Twitter to vent their anger and even suggested the idea of a mass bike protest.

Kirsty Harper said: "Ridiculous of @LBofBromley (Bromley Council) to ban cycling in Kelsey Park. Where are our children supposed to learn to ride safely? Pavements? Roads?"

Meanwhile Kelly Innes tweeted: "Where is the sense in banning cycling in Kelsey Park? We need to encourage active lifestyles in an olympic year".

A Bromley Council spokesman said: "Cycling in the park has always technically been banned and we have always applied this bye law with sensitivity and discretion.

"We have not and would not penalise a six-year-old on their tricycle for example.

"We have however brought this byelaw to the attention of park users at this time, at the request of the Friends of Kelsey Park, to counter a minority of cyclists who have been riding in a manner which has caused concern amongst and potential danger to other park visitors."

When approached about the idea of a mass bike protest, Bromley police said the matter was a council bye law and they had never issued a ticket to anyone for cycling.

Comments(3)

madras says...
5:38pm Mon 25 Jun 12

as ever, the minority spoil it for the rest

the comment 'We have not and would not penalise a six-year-old on their tricycle for example.' made me smile though - how many 6 year olds ride a tricycle???

goldenbroomboy says...
5:42pm Mon 25 Jun 12

I can see why people can get confused, since there are scooter & bicycle parks in the playground.

I am ok with children riding their bikes & scooters in the park, but adults whizzing around on racing bikes, no. On this occasion, I think that Bromley Council have got it about right.

zampa says...
11:44am Wed 27 Jun 12

Good idea if you ban adults but let the youngsters cycle. An up and coming trend amongst some adult cyclists is that they are a law to themselves! The innocent always suffer.

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree