A CONCERNED mum has called for tougher curbs on seafront cycling after her daughter was mowed down by a bike.

Scarlett Pledger, nine, from Parkstone, suffered cuts and bruises when the male cyclist piled into her as she washed her bucket and spade under a tap at Branksome Chine.

Mum Lisa said Scarlett was only saved from more serious injuries by the bodyboard she was carrying, which took the brunt of the impact.

“She went over the top of the bike and the cyclist landed on top of her,” said Lisa.

“He came from nowhere.

“If he hadn’t hit the board first it would have been terrible.”

Scarlett had been playing on the beach with family and friends when the incident occurred around 3.45pm on Sunday, June 14.

She was treated for cuts to her legs, arms and back by lifeguards but thankfully did not require hospital treatment.

“She was brave and very lucky,” said Lisa.

“A younger girl wouldn’t have stood a chance.”

Earlier this month Bournemouth council revealed it would be targeting speeding cyclists with random checks on the promenade.

The seafront speed limit is currently 10mph, while cycling on the prom is banned completely during the day in July and August.

But while Lisa backed the clampdown, she has also called for the ban to be lengthened.

She said: “I think it needs to be enforced from May.

“It’s already hot now and there are a lot of people around.

"A cycle lane would also be an option.”

Clive Smith, head of leisure services at Poole council, urged cyclists to use the prom safely and responsibly.

He said: “Our beaches are really popular, especially at this time of year, and we want to ensure the promenade is a safe place for everyone.”

• See the link below for CCTV footage of an accident last September