IN 2008, a dedicated police team announced its intention to stop Somerset cyclists from going on the pavement.

At the time, Taunton town centre manager Lucy Ball announced that police would be tackling “irritating incidents” such as cyclists on footpaths.

An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said officers and Police Community Support Officers have powers to slap a £30 on-the-spot fine on anyone on their bike on the pavement.

Speaking in 2008, he said: “If people are seen cycling on pavements, they will be stopped, given advice and asked to cycle legally on the road.

“If they then choose not to do that, police officers or PCSOs have the power to issue fixed penalty notices.

“We have taken action in the past around the town centre.”

Somerset County Gazette: Some cyclists said that they had been stopped by police.Some cyclists said that they had been stopped by police. (Image: PA media)

In Taunton, cyclists were targeted on the High Street during the Farmers’ Market. In parts of West Somerset, cyclists were regularly spotted on the pavement.

The police spokesperson added: “Cycling on the pavement is dangerous.

“Pavements are for the safety of pedestrians, not for road users.

“If people are not confident cycling on the road, they can get off their bike and push it on the pavement.”

The Somerset County Gazette spotted a cyclist on the pavement. When questioned in 2008, the biker, who asked not to be identified, said: “I admit it’s not ideal cycling on the pavement – but you try cycling on the road.

“It’s dangerous because drivers either ignore you or don’t see you.

“It’s quite frightening when a lorry goes past.

“I try to respect people on the pavement and I’ve never been spotted by a police officer.”

Another said: “I regularly cycle in Taunton High Street – not during the ‘rush-hour’, of course – and have never had a problem.

“I like to think I’m a responsible cyclist, steering well clear of pedestrians or walking when the market is on or the street is busy.

“Once, though, I was stopped by a PCSO and asked to get off my bike.

“OK, fair cop, but I was being preceded by a large van towing a kiosk from the bottom of the High Street to the top . . . and that, apparently, was acceptable. This is just one of a host of vehicles using the High Street throughout the day."