THE lifting of a by-law banning cycling in Bromsgrove High Street is being considered by Worcestershire County Council.

But there has already been opposition to the idea, one county councillor calling the idea “barmy.”

The lifting of the ban is being looked into, following the latest recommendations from the Department of Transport.

Amongst the department’s suggestions is opening up pedestrian areas to cyclists, where appropriate, and is part of a wider policy to encourage more people to cycle, in a bid to tackle congestion, improve air quality, promote physical activity and improve accessibility.

A consultation process is currently underway and following this a trial period, possibly for around six months, could be introduced.

The Advertiser/Messenger has previously investigated the ban in High Street and complaints it wasn’t being enforced, despite several signs clearly instructing cyclists not to ride there.

Residents have informed us of numerous incidents where cyclists have weaved in and out of pedestrians, including the elderly.

Conservative district councillor Rita Dent, whose St John's ward includes the High Street, said she had already expressed her concerns on the proposal to the county council.

She said: “I have got no issue with cycling in Bromsgrove, but I have an issue with cycling in High Street.

“I know of a number of incidents involving pedestrians. Only a few months ago an elderly woman was hit by a cyclist.”

Labour’s county councillor for the Beacon ward, Peter McDonald, said: “The idea is barmy. The county council has lost its marbles even considering this, there is no thought for pedestrians.”

Councillor Derek Prodger, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member for transport and safe environment, said: "This idea is being presented for consideration.

“There is no pilot in place anywhere across the county at present and we are simply muting the idea to gauge what the response may be locally.

“We do encourage environmentally friendly forms of transport but understand that any schemes encouraging cycle use in pedestrian areas have to be carefully investigated."