SHOPPERS in Birkenhead town centre are to have one less hazard to deal with as they battle the Christmas crowds with a new police campaign set to rid the pavements of cyclists.

Neighbourhood officers are cracking down on the offence on the run up to Christmas.

Anyone caught riding on the pavement in the town centre will be stopped and could be subjected to a fine.

The police activity is in response to numerous complaints from shoppers and business owners about the anti-social use of bicycles in pedestrianised areas.

Birkenhead Neighbourhood Inspector Duncan Swan said: “We are determined to tackle the issues that matter to local people in Birkenhead.  Cycling in the pedestrianised areas of the town centre is one that is continually raised at public meetings. 

“We have found that some cyclists are riding through crowded areas, often at speed, with a blatant disregard for the safety of pedestrians.

“It is an offence to do this and we are taking enforcement action during a particularly busy time of year to educate cyclists about the risks and deter them from doing it again.”

Inspector Swan said the force is not trying to alienate cyclists, with action carried out throughout the year aimed at making the roads safer and motorists more bike ware

He added: “However we cannot have pedestrians, including the elderly and young children, being put at risk of injury by people cycling where they shouldn’t.

“My advice to cyclists using Birkenhead town centre this Christmas is to exercise common sense and  get off and push if you need to cross a pavement or pedestrianised area."