Don’t cycle down path

Cyclists need to be reminded that they are not allowed down a town footpath, insists a retired teacher after several close calls.

Bert Hague is calling on the district council to renew the signage on the route between the parish church and Sidmouth Victoria Hospital, writes Stephen Sumner.

He had recently had an operation when two separate bike riders ‘came flying down’ and nearly sped into him on the same day. There are about three places where they come out and can’t see who’s coming – they could do a lot of damage,” said the 74-year-old, of Manstone Close. “I’ve noticed it for a couple of years and normally tell them [the cyclists].

“Now I’ve just had an operation and don’t want to get thumped.

“I would hate to have a situation where some old lady gets hurt by a bike when it could’ve been prevented. A sensible solution would be paint ‘no cycling’ on the ground.”

He said he thought the new signs painted on the ground on the Esplanade had proved effective at deterring cyclists.

A Devon County Council spokesman said: “It’s important cyclists follow the same rules as other road users and dismount as directed on this stretch of path until we can renew the signs.”