BOURNEMOUTH’S Deputy Mayor is calling for greater enforcement of the seafront cycling speed limit after he was knocked down and injured whilst running a charity race. Cllr Phil Stanley Watts was competing in the Diverse Abilities Plus’ Jingle Jog when he was mown down by a cyclist weaving in and out of the runners at speed.

Battered and bruised he managed to complete the 6km race along Bournemouth seafront, but was left with minor injuries after he hit the pavement.

He said: “We must encourage safe cycling because I was knocked over by a cyclist travelling at speed on the seafront.

“This seems to be a widespread problem on the seafront as well as in pedestrian precincts.”

Cllr Watts has said he would like to see increased signage along the promenade reminding cyclists about the 10mph speed limit. “It’s incredibly dangerous and I have heard of numerous similar accidents on the seafront. “Cyclists do go far too fast and it’s difficult to see or hear them approaching when you’re running. “I would like to see greater enforcement of the speed limit and more information encouraging people towards safer cycling.” Bournemouth council has introduced a number of events and changes to road layout in order to transform the town into a “centre for cycling”.

Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Lawrence Williams said: “The council is very pro cycling and it is a great way to keep fit and healthy and help relieve congestion on the roads.

“It is the responsibility of all promenade users to use the space sensibly and the police will take action if there is an incident.”

A summer cycling ban is in place on the promenade between 10am and 6pm throughout July and August and there are currently five prosecutions being processed through the court system.