SPEED cameras set up to catch cyclists going too fast along Bournemouth seafront caught 69 offenders in four days.

Riders travelling above the 10mph limit were given safety advice during the operation, carried out jointly between Bournemouth council and Dorset Police.

Although there are no penalties available, those behind the initiative hope it will make cyclists take more care when cycling between Hengistbury Head and Sandbanks.

Charmaine Andrews, seafront development officer, said the council wants to encourage cyclists to use the seafront but warned they must do so responsibly.

“We received a large number of positive comments regarding this safety initiative and hope that it has raised awareness among cyclists of the dangers of speeding along the seafront, both to themselves and pedestrians,” she said.

Offenders will not be treated so lightly when the summer cycling ban comes into effect in just six days’ time. Cyclists will only be able to use the seafront before 10am and after 6pm, risking a £1,000 fine if they break the rules.

Two checkpoints will be set up and cyclists will be warned at the first. If they are back on their bikes by the time they reach the second they will be prosecuted.

On Wednesday, June 24,the Daily Echo reported an incident where a nine-year-old girl suffered cuts and bruises after being mown down by a cyclist at Branksome Chine in neighbouring Poole.

Scarlett Pledger was washing her bucket and spade under a tap when the incident, which sent her flying over the top of the bike, happened.

Her mum, Lisa, said she believes the cycling ban should be enforced for a longer period and added: “She was very lucky – a younger girl wouldn’t have stood a chance.”

We're putting together a pro-cycling feature for Friday's Echo - if you'd like to say something in support of cyclists, add it in the comments below or email newsdesk@bournemouthecho.co.uk and put "Cycling is brilliant" in the subject line.