'It is obviously a problem' says Leeds as 'harsh' new rules planned for city centre

Fines of £100 have been threatened by Leeds City Council

Leeds locals are split on “harsh” new rules for cyclists and pedlars coming to the city centre.

At present, an estimated 1,100 bikes travel up and down Briggate each day, including heavy bikes used by delivery drivers, which can travel up to 45 mph and pose a serious potential risk to pedestrian safety in the event of a collision. Steet vendors selling sweetcorn, balaclavas, phone cases and toys also congregate on the central pedestrianised street, throughout the day.

New rules will be coming into place with the threat of a £100 fine if flouted. Leeds City Council will be launching the Briggate Action Plan to make the centre "safer" in its busiest areas. This comes after overwhelming support during a public consultation last year.

The new restrictions on pedlars are expected to be in place from the beginning of October with restrictions on bikes in pedestrianised areas due to be in place by the end of the year.

The action plan will mean a requirement to walk (rather than ride) bicycles and e-bikes within the pedestrianised shopping area from 10.30am until 8pm daily. It will also introduce prohibitions around certain street trading activities in targeted areas. This will include mobile street traders with extended restrictions in place during major city centre events including Leeds Pride, Light Night Leeds and the Leeds Christmas Market.

Many pedlars currently gather in the same areas at the same times, particularly during major events, which can result in access issues on key routes along with some associated anti-social behaviour and the sale of counterfeit goods.

Engineering student Cristiano Tambunan, 18, felt the rules are “harsh” on cyclists. He said: “It’s a bit a harsh, in my opinion, but I do get some of the concern as people can get hit by bikes. For me, it’s too harsh as a lot of people do use bikes for transport and people go around this area to get to places."

He felt the rules on the street pedlars were “more reasonable” as it can get busy in the area during big events.

Engineer George Young, 30, feels like bikes aren't the issue, and the council should be cracking down on another type of vehicle. George said: "I've not seen many bikes but I've seen a couple of electric scooters whiz by. It's kids riding them."

George, who was visiting the city, adds he's "torn" over the street pedlars as he sympathised with them having to earn money but questioned the demand for "balaclavas and phone cases" in the city centre.

Handyman and Jehovah’s Witness Gary Britton, 66, said: “It’s obviously a problem because they do come down at excessive speeds. Today, I saw one coming down really fast and they had to brake sharp because of the crowd. They’ve come very close to pedestrians.

“There was an incident recently, there was a lady in a mobility scooter and she had to swerve to avoid this bike that was coming forward. She had to swerve into two [Jehovah’s Witnesses’] carts and damaged them. She ran into two ladies and knocked them over”

He says thankfully no one was injured. He adds he’s puzzled by the street vendors who he says rarely sell anything to the public.

Retired receptionist Judith Weelands, 73, said: “It’s absolutely a good idea. They go too fast, they speed all the time. I’ve seen lots of people nearly being hit.”

She frequently sees people walking around on their phones and sees takeaway cyclists having to break and swerve just to avoid a near miss.

Regarding the street pedlars, she added: “I think it makes the area look cheap and untidy. You’ve got Victoria Quarter, Harvey Nicks, it’s supposed be a prestigious part of Leeds and makes it look cheap.”

Retired cleaner Eileen said: “Very good. It’s very dangerous. You look around and there’s someone there with a bike. It is an issue. You’ve got to have eyes in the back of your head. It’s not just one or two, it’s quite a few. They even come right in front of you.”