Few cyclists fined for bad riding in Avon and Somerset force area Published duration 26 June 2013

Ninety cyclists in the Avon and Somerset police force area have been charged or taken to court for traffic offences over the past three years.

The offences included dangerous cycling, being drunk in charge of a bicycle, but the most common offence was cycling with no lights at night.

The Freedom of Information Act figures released to the BBC also show 17 pedestrians were injured by cyclists.

Sustrans said it believed the figures showed most cyclists obey the law.

'Poor driver behaviour'

John Usher, from the charity which promotes cycling, said people tended to remember incidents of bad behaviour of others.

He said: "As a cyclist I notice the bad behaviour of motorists - so it goes both ways - there's a huge amount of poor driver behaviour that goes unpunished.

"You can be an idiot regardless of what form of transport you are using. You need to be respectful of others."

Bob Bull, of the Alliance of British Drivers, said although a minority of cyclists "showed a level of arrogance", all road users should show respect towards each other.

He said: "Ninety offences in three years doesn't seem very many.

"If I were to drive into the centre of Bristol this afternoon I would expect to see three of four instances of bad driving or riding so I don't think the figures add up... there's more focus on the motorist rather than cyclists."

Avon and Somerset Police said it encouraged anyone concerned to report anti-social cyclists to their local neighbourhood team officers.

Chief Constable Nick Gargan said for every irresponsible cyclist, dozens abided by the laws of the road.