Cycling on pavements is illegal warn police

10:32am Thursday 24th August 2006

CYCLING on pavements is dangerous and illegal.

That is the message from Swindon Police following the case of seven-year-old Joe Parker, who had eight stitches after being slammed into a wall by a speeding bike outside his Gorse Hill home on Saturday night.

PC Mark Simpson said: "We would remind the public of the dangers of cycling on the pavement. In this case the cyclist didn't have any lights.

"Great care should be taken in insuring a bike is driven safely and sensibly."

Joe is now afraid to ride the bike that his father Adam had just taught him how to ride, and doesn't like playing outside his house in Cricklade Road.

Joe's parents say it is common for bikes and scooters to zoom past on the footpath outside their house.

Police are appealing for witnesses. The cyclist was riding south down Cricklade Road towards the shops. He is described as 5ft 19in tall, in his late teens or early 20s and of Mediterranean appearance.

Anybody with information can call Swindon police on 0845 408 7000 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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