Dismount Your Bikes in Town

Douglas City Council and the Police are urging cyclists to dismount and walk their bikes through the centre of Douglas.

Members of the public have reported dangerous cycling cases, including in Strand Street, Castle Street and Duke Street.

Under local byelaws, cycling in the main shopping areas is not permitted and could lead to fines of up to £2,500.

Dismount

Douglas City Centre Manager, Oliver Cheshire, said: “As an authority, we actively support cycling and have long championed initiatives to encourage active travel across Douglas.

“It’s great for our health, wellbeing and the environment. We’ve published our own Active Travel Strategy and Action Plan and invested in secure bicycle lockers at Shaw’s Brow car park.

“However, we must also prioritise the safety of everyone using the city centre. Pedestrian zones are for people on foot and cycling through them – particularly at speed – poses a real risk to public safety. We’re simply asking cyclists to be considerate and dismount in these areas.”

Concerns For Pedestrians

Police Inspector Michael Taylor echoed this message, highlighting concerns around vulnerable pedestrians:

“We share the Council’s support for safe and sustainable travel, including cycling. However, we have been made aware of incidents of inconsiderate cycling in the main shopping areas.

“Cycling through the shopping areas may cause a danger to members of the public, especially those who are less mobile or visually impaired.

“We want to encourage people into the shopping areas and it is important they feel safe, therefore cyclists should walk their bikes through all pedestrian zones in the city centre.”

Douglas Council and the police are reminding residents and visitors that there are many alternative routes and cycling paths throughout the capital where cycling is both permitted and encouraged.