Leeds city centre shoppers welcome plans to ban 'scary' e-bike riders and cyclists who 'go really fast'

The scheme to restrict the use of bikes and e-bikes along Briggate and other adjoining streets has received significant public support and is now due to move to the next phase.

Speaking to pedestrians as the sun shone on the famous Leeds street, it became clear how strong the feeling is.

Those spoke to said that they have regularly felt worried while walking along the likes of Briggate, Commercial Street and Albion Street at the risk of being hit by a cyclist.

Lesley Belshaw, 70, from Wortley, said she had heard the recent news and “loved it”, saying: “You don’t hear them creeping up on you. It’s for pedestrians and that’s that. I would like them to be banned from pavements altogether to be honest.

“You are the one that gets in trouble because they swear at you for being in the way and I think: ‘For one thing you shouldn’t be here and for another I didn’t hear you!’”

Consultation on the Briggate Action Plan asked the public for their views on proposals aimed at tackling a number of concerns they had raised, including the estimated 1,100 bikes travelling up and down Briggate each day.

Keith Hargreaves said that as he had been sat on a bench he had noticed cyclists “going up and down all the time”. He said: “Some of the guys go really fast and as an older guy you can’t get out of the way as easily. So I think some old people in particular feel a bit intimidated by it.

“It’s nice to see some guys walking by. Maybe they’ve heard about the ban.”

As the scheme moves forward the council has said it will apply for new legislation enabling the restrictions to be put in place and enforced.

Mr Hargreaves said: “The idea’s good but enforcement’s always the difficult thing.”

The ban would include heavy bikes used by delivery drivers, some of which can travel up to 45 mph and, the council said, “represent a serious potential risk to pedestrian safety in the event of a collision”.

Robert Salt said: “They go really fast. They tend to congregate as well and block your way when they’re altogether and it is dangerous.

“I think the side streets are particularly bad. I think all of the side streets should have them banned.”

The consultation, which received over 2,100 responses, found that 87 per cent of people would welcome a requirement for bicycles and e-bike users to walk with them in the area during pedestrianised areas.

The feeling stretched across the generations, with 17-year-old college student Sofia Rhodes saying: “I would like to walk down and not feel like I’ll get ran over.

“They go really fast sometimes and nearly crash into you so you will feel a bit safer knowing they’re not there.

“I’ve had some go close and it’s a bit scary.”

Leeds City Council has said it is hoped the new measures will be implemented within the next 6-12 months.