EXTRA signs warning cyclists to take care when using routes shared with pedestrians are being put up across Worcester.

The number of signs is being increased around Worcester, urging cyclists and pedestrians to look out for each other on the shared routes, in a bid to avoid any collisions.

Cyclists are being asked to slow down and pedestrians asked to remember cyclists are using designated areas of footways as the summer brings crowds of visitors to riverside walks near the city’s tourist spots.

‘Share with Care’ signs are already in place along shared routes around the city but Worcestershire County Council has decided to press home the message and increase the number of signs in the centre. “We are currently increasing the number of ‘Share with Care’ signage along joint routes throughout Worcester city centre,” said Lynsey Keir, leader of Worcestershire County Council’s sustainable services team.

“These will be installed in addition to the existing signs which advise people to take care when using shared routes and to be courteous to other users.”

She said the council was committed to providing more shared routes such as cycle and pedestrian paths and to make people aware of their shared nature. “Shared routes are particularly popular, make great use of space and in recent years superseded the traditional segregated use routes,” she said. “Importantly, we’d urge cyclists to slow down when approaching groups of walkers, particularly elderly people or young families, to make use of their bell and to cycle with due care and attention.

“Of equal importance, we’d remind pedestrians to be aware that the route is shared with cyclists and that they should be mindful of bicycles too.”

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said they were not aware of any particular problem with people cycling on the pavement in Worcester. However, he said the force’s policy is that if officers see inconsiderate cycling happening, they will take whatever action is considered proportionate at the time. People can attend their local PACT meeting where they can raise it as an issue if they think cyclists using pavements is a problem.