I MUST respond to the recent letter about cycling on Bournemouth promenade (Daily Echo, February 22).

Cycling on the promenade is one of the most talked about issues on the seafront. Opinion is polarised with cycling groups lobbying for the restrictions to be relaxed and some anti-cycling groups asking for them to be tightened.

Cycling is a great way to stay fit and healthy and many people use the promenade for their daily commute to work or for a pleasure ride. The council actively promotes the use of the promenade for cycling as it is far safer than pedalling on many of the roads around the town.

Pedestrians have priority along the promenade as they do on most of the nominated cycle routes in the parks and cyclists should show proper regard for their safety.

Most do, but if a cyclist causes the accident the police may investigate and take action as they would do with any incident on the public highway.

There is no solution that will satisfy everybody, but the council will continue to try to make both walking and cycling an activity which can be enjoyed safely by all in Bournemouth.

CLLR LAWRENCE WILLIAMS

Cabinet Member for Tourism Leisure and The Arts, Bournemouth Town Hall

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