Young riders who whizz round Darlington on push bikes are putting themselves and others in serious peril. There have been a series of near-misses on High Row and other parts of the town centre with these cyclists swerving around pedestrians at high speed.
Some elderly shoppers have been seen gasping after almost being knocked over. They could well suffer a broken limb or a more severe injury if one of those bikes clatters into them.
It used to be an offence to cycle on a pavement but it appears to be accepted as normal now. However, some riders put themselves in even more danger when they weave in and out of traffic. Three or four lads at a time can be viewed dodging cars and buses as they race around, apparently having great fun. They give no signals and seem to have no fear. But they frighten the life out of many drivers, who realise that if their vehicles touch one of those bicycles even slightly the rider would be thrown off and it could end in tragedy.