Senior Constable Deb Hann – On the Beat
Previously I have put out messaging to students via schools and this column, around not cycling on the footpath in the Victoria Street central business district.
Last week we had a crash involving a car and bicycle which was being ridden across a pedestrian crossing on Duke street. The cyclist came down the footpath and onto the crossing at which point they were unfortunately hit. This is the outcome we fear and it is fortunate that there were no serious injuries. It is a lesson for both parties. The road code states that bicycles are not to be ridden on the footpath. When they are, this is especially risky to not only the cyclists but equally our pedestrians in the main shopping area.
There is a cycle lane on both sides of Victoria Street central business district for cyclists to use. If parents/the students are uncomfortable with using those due to traffic volumes, we strongly recommend they use Bryce Street, Duke Street and Wilson Street to bypass town. They may also walk their bikes through town on the footpath. In all cases, cyclists should dismount and walk when on a pedestrian crossing. This gives them time to assess when the way is truly clear, and equally gives motorists the chance to react to someone wanting to cross and to give way safely and appropriately.
With the weather improving (I hope I am not jinxing us there), the likelihood is that the number of students cycling to and from school will increase. We do not want any more injuries occurring. On that note, when I have stopped students cycling on the footpath in the past, they often have their helmets hanging from their handlebars or do not have one. This increases the risk of harm even more, besides the fact that wearing a helmet is a legal requirement for cyclists. Please spread the cycle safety word.
In other news, Cambridge Community Patrol noticed a suspicious vehicle in the Cambridge Park area one night last week. Behaviours that alerted them were the vehicle driving without headlights and that the driver appeared to meet up with another vehicle parked nearby. He also appeared defensive when the patroller walked nearby. Registration plates on one car did not match the vehicle, which supports their assertions that something wasn’t right.
Keep your eyes and ears open and report suspicious activity to police. CCTV has been vital in furthering investigations into recent burglaries – if you are considering installing a camera, be sure to keep it regularly cleaned, clear of cobwebs and with an unobstructed view. Clear CCTV is gold from an investigation point of view.
Cambridge’s main streets are often closed for events like the Cambridge Cycling Festival. Photo – Michael Jeans.
