AN OTLEY councillor is demanding action to stop irresponsible cycling on pavements.

Town member Jackie Brown (Lib Dem, Manor) has been prompted to take action after personally experiencing problems with abusive cyclists twice in the past week.

Both incidents involved riders cycling fast along pavements busy with pedestrians, and have been reported to the police.

Cllr Brown believes urgent steps need to be taken to prevent someone from being injured.

She said: "Pedestrians don't expect to, nor should have to, worry about bikes on pavements.

"Do we wait until another toddler or lady is knocked down by a bike before something is done to stop this?"

Cllr Brown added: "In the past week alone, I have been involved in two separate incidents involving aggressive behaviour from cyclists on pavements.

"These individuals were not people cycling for sport or health, they were 'lads on bikes' with no respect for people or laws. The first took place on Otley Bridge at about 5.45pm when it was busy with people, some with small children and dogs.

"A man on a hybrid-type bike was cycling fast and aggressively towards us, forcing people to move. As he passed I said 'that's too fast', at which point he skidded to a halt, nearly hitting a small child, and started shouting verbal abuse at me.

"The second incident was this Monday evening in Bondgate where another male sped past silently from behind.

"I called after him that it was dangerous and illegal to ride on pavements. He, too, stopped. There followed more verbal abuse as he sped off round the blind corner towards the bus station, and a group of his friends crossed the road to challenge us as to why we had 'picked' on their friend!

"I would like a crackdown on pavement cycling enforced, especially if we are to be assaulted with foul language rather than an apology."

Cllr Brown is to push for new signs to be put up around the town, reminding cyclists to dismount on pavements.