AN ELDERLY couple has called for bike riders to remain on the road after they were nearly hit by “mindless cyclists”.

Gerald and Maureen Labbett, of Lee Road, Dovercourt, have been the subject of six near misses by cylists who travel along footpaths on Marine Parade, Kingsway and Main Road.

It is illegal for cyclists to ride on pavements except for designated footpaths.

“I was walking down the road with my wife and a young chap came right by the side of me and just missed me by inches,” said Mr Labbett, 71.

“My wife shouted at him but he just rode on and ignored us.

“We have a job to hear them coming up behind us because we are older. If we don’t step out to the side then we get hit.

“The road is there to be used or at the very least they have bells and should let us know they are there. It’s dangerous.”

Police have reminded cyclists not to ride on pavements or they will get a verbal warning or even a fixed penalty notice.

Sergeant Mark Talbot said: "Cycling on the highways is fine, however it is illegal to cycle on pavements, unless it is part of a dedicated cycle path which would be clearly marked.

"We do give leeway to very small children as obviously it is sometimes safer for them to ride on the pavement than on the road.

“However, with the summer holidays in full swing, many older children will also be out on their bikes - with this in mind we will be endeavouring to stop and educate them about the dangers of cycling on the pavements.”