A CYCLIST has been ordered to pay £330 for riding his bicycle along Bournemouth promenade during the restricted summer months.

Bournemouth Borough Council brought the prosecution against Alexander Wells, which was heard at Poole Magistrates' Court in the defendant's absence earlier this month.

Mary Almeida, prosecuting, told the court that Wells was spotted riding a blue bicycle by Bournemouth seafront ranger Sam Flint.

Mr Flint approached 29-year-old Wells, of Jubilee Road, Poole, as he was riding on the promenade near Bournemouth Oceanarium, around 4.45pm on August 1.

Under local bylaws, cycling is prohibited along the prom, between 10am-6pm, throughout July and August.

Even outside of these times, pedestrians still have priority over cyclists.

A statement by Mr Flint, read to court by Ms Almeida, said: "I stopped him and advised him that cycling was prohibited, which he acknowledged."

According to Mr Flint, Wells dismounted and continued along the prom on foot, pushing his bicycle along.

However, what Wells did not know was that Mr Flint radioed ahead to a colleague, stationed further along the promenade, and passed him Wells' description.

This colleague, seafront ranger Wayne Lilley, then observed Wells cycling on his bike again, before he dismounted and headed down onto the beach.

He was stopped for the second time, advised of the bylaws and penalties once again - and had his personal details taken.

Wells, who was not in court for the case, was found guilty in his absence.

Magistrates fined him £100, ordered him to pay £200 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

Chris Saunders, head of operations, tourism and seafront at Bournemouth Borough Council, said: "Cycling along the promenade is a pleasure that many residents and visitors enjoy and the council actively promotes as a safe route to commute and keep fit.

"Whilst enjoying what the seafront has to offer, cyclists also have a responsibility to abide by the rules and at times that means prosecuting people that deliberately endanger others.

"The council has made the decision to prosecute on this occasion and we are very pleased the court has chosen to support this."