A NATIONAL takeaway delivery firm has launched an immediate investigation after an “irresponsible” brake-less bike was seen in Bournemouth.

It follows last week's jailing of Charlie Alliston following a collision which led to the death of mother of two Kim Briggs in London.

Two illegal bikes were spotted weaving through pedestrians in Bournemouth Square on Friday afternoon in one hour.

One was riding a small BMX, while the other was a Deliveroo courier on a fixed-wheel bicycle.

The latter came down Richmond Hill before cycling across the Square and through pedestrians, and was spotted again riding without brakes on Monday afternoon.

Deliveroo is a national takeaway delivery service, which operates throughout Bournemouth.

A spokesperson for Deliveroo, said: “We are shocked by these photos and will be investigating this incident immediately.

“Safety is a priority for Deliveroo. Before working with us, all riders complete a programme of road safety guidance with additional advice and information available throughout their time riding with us.

“As with all road users, riders must obey road traffic laws, and respect other road users.

“We have a zero tolerance policy for anyone found to have broken the law or to have put the safety of themselves or others at risk.”

Deliveroo confirmed riders found breaking the law will not continue to be employed by the company.

Jason Falconer, a cycle trainer with more than 30 years' experience on the road, said he does not accept any use of riding in public without brakes.

“Whenever I speak to anyone on the issue I stress to them do not ride brake-less,” Mr Falconer said.

“I do not care what you say to me. It is just so dangerous.”

It is illegal to ride a bike without two brakes. A fixed-wheel is accepted as a rear brake, but callipers are still needed on the front.

Last week, Charlie Alliston was sentenced to 18 months in prison after being found guilty of causing bodily harm by wanton and furious driving.

While riding his fixed-wheel bicycle which had no front brakes Mr Alliston crashed into Ms Briggs, 44, as she tried to cross a busy road in Shoreditch, East London.

She later died in hospital from the injuries sustained in the collision.

Transport minister Jesse Norman wrote to cycle groups to remind members to follow the Highway Code.

Duncan Dollimore, head of campaigns at national group Cycling UK, said: “Unfortunately, the actions of one completely irresponsible young man have led to a media debate which overlooks the fact that 99.4% of pedestrian fatalities involve a collision with a motor vehicle, not a cyclist, though that will obviously be of no comfort to Kim Brigg’s family, whose lives were shattered as a consequence of Charlie Alliston’s stupid decision to ride a bicycle with no front brake.

“The fact that this was a fixed-wheel bike is not really relevant.

“The problem was the absence of a front brake, which as well as being illegal, endangered both Alliston and other roads users.

“Tragically, we witness irresponsible behaviour every day by people using our roads, and it’s that irresponsible behaviour we should focus on, rather than what vehicle they happened to be using.”

Last year, more than 80 cyclists died in collisions with motor vehicles in the United Kingdom.

While fault is not always with the motorists in these incidents, Mr Falconer said snap reactions to cyclists are unjust and imbalanced.

“The drivers of these vehicles get short term sentences and that is absolutely disgusting,” he said.

“How can it be accepted that this just goes on?”

Bournemouth Borough Council said it encourages cycling in the town, but riders are being warned about the use of brake-less bikes.

The use of bicycles is permitted within Bournemouth Square following a one-year trial, which featured no reported incidents.

However, after being contacted by the Daily Echo about cyclists illegally using bikes without front brakes, the council said it was not aware of any such incidents and will be contacting Deliveroo and Dorset Police.

Richard Pearson, traffic and road safety manager at Bournemouth Borough Council, said: “Cyclists are expected to ride at an appropriate low speed and should be prepared to give way to pedestrians.

“Bournemouth Council encourages people to cycle as long as they ride considerately and their bike complies with legal requirements. Any cyclist found to be endangering the public or riding without brakes should be reported to the police in the usual way.”

Sergeant Joe Pardey, of Dorset Police, said: “We have not been made aware of any specific issues regarding cyclists riding without brakes but we would always urge anyone using any mode of transport in Dorset to make sure it is ridden or driven in a safe and legal manner to ensure the safety of all our road users and pedestrians.”