Prom Wars: Norfolk campaigners say bikes on Gorleston promenade are dangerous

A Norfolk-wide group has launched a campaign against plans to allow cyclists along the promenade at Gorleston, saying that it is potentially dangerous.

The Norfolk branch of Living Streets - a national group which works to create safe public space for pedestrians - says it is against plans to lift a by-law barring cyclists from the seafront from May to September.

John Peacock, chairman of Norfolk’s Living Streets, told Norwich Evening News: “We normally agree to these sorts of things where the pedestrian flows are fairly light.

"Where we draw the line is where there are going to be heavy pedestrian flows, that are very likely on Gorleston seafront between May and September.

“We really don’t feel this is a suitable place to be having this sort of experiment.

“Gorleston prom is a lovely place to be in the summer, I have been down there many times myself. When you’re down there you like to be able to relax, you don’t want to be looking over your shoulder wondering where the next cyclist is going to be flying out from.”

He insisted that the campaign was not 'anti-cyclist', but there has been no history of an accident on the promenade.

He said: “I’m pleased to hear it’s going to be a trial. What concerns me is how they’re going to monitor it."

Trevor Wainwright, chairman of the committee and leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: “This is a trial period from May to September and we’ll review it after that. We put the idea out to the area committee and many residents came along and were generally very supportive. It is something we can monitor.

“There will be signage to make everyone aware and we encourage people on foot and on cycle to be wary of others.”