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Police in Portsmouth run ‘Operation Dismount’ to promote safer cycling

Press Releases

Published: 07/09/2010


On Monday, September 6, officers from Portsmouth’s St Judes and Southsea Central Safer Neighbourhoods teams carried out an operation to tackle illegal cycling in the Southsea area.

‘Op Dismount’ was carried out in Palmerston Road, where officers spoke to people about cycling laws and took action against those who disregard other road users and pedestrians.

The operation was led by PCSO Emma Barlow of the St Judes and Southsea Central teams, and took place at one of the key locations for inconsiderate and dangerous cycling.

PCSO Barlow said: “Members of the public often tell us about individuals who ride their bikes in a dangerous manner around certain areas on our beats. In response to this problem, we regularly carry out patrols and operations such as this one in these hotspot areas, such as Palmerston Road.”

Officers from the Southsea-based teams have been focusing on conducting cycling operations throughout the summer as part of the anti-social behaviour campaign, and have been working to promote bike safety as well as deter dangerous cycling. In reference to the operation,

PCSO Barlow said: “Today has gone really well. We picked this location because it is a repeat location for cyclists riding inconsiderately, and our work has shown some great results. In just two hours we handed out fixed penalty notices amounting to £90, and spoke to a great number of cyclists about road safety when they are out and about.

“We find that some people are actually unaware of the cycling laws which are in place to protect people’s safety. By actively engaging with these individuals, we can help them realise the possible consequences of their actions, as well as advising them about the correct way to travel safely on bikes.”

General guidance and advice that was given included information on the cycling laws in place and why they should be obeyed, where protective safety gear can be obtained, and advice on getting bicycles safety-marked on one of the police’s free cycle marking days in the city. Feedback from the cyclists was very positive, with adults and children alike learning more about bike safety.

Sergeant Justin Roberts of the two Safer Neighbourhoods teams said: “Inconsiderate cycling is a priority for much of Portsmouth, and we frequently patrol hotspot areas to try and tackle the issue. Some individuals think it isn’t really an issue but they don’t realise the potential risks their behaviour poses on others. By cycling on pavements, weaving in and out of moving traffic and dodging around pedestrians, cyclists are putting themselves and others in danger, and this kind of behaviour can all too easily cause serious accidents.

“We will continue to work on issues such as this to promote public safety in our city, and improve people’s quality of life.”

If you would like to learn more about the Safer Neighbourhoods team in your area, you can call 101 and ask for your local team, or you can log onto our website, www.hampshire.police.uk and click on ‘your local policing team’.


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