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'Killer bikes' release causes a stir

Calderdale's RSO, Peter Shepherdson, has upset bicycle retailers by voicing his concerns about the dangers of children riding bicycles.

In a press release, entitled 'Killer bikes', Mr Shepherdson asks, 'Can there be any bigger killer and crippler of children than the humble bicycle?'.

"Too often parents say 'Go and play on your bike' - not thinking that their child will race out onto the road and could be killed or seriously injured," he added. "Pre teenagers, bicycles and roads are a cocktail for disaster. We warn young children away from knives and fire, yet we give them bikes knowing that in most cases they will be ridden on the road without supervision or any regard for the Highway Code."

Mr Shepherdson's views angered the BikeBiz.com website. While recognising that the release contains 'some basic, common sense advice', the bike trade website says this 'will be lost on those parents who may now be convinced that bicycles are death-traps, a message that local bicycle retailers are incensed about'.

The Institute of Road Safety Officers' PR officer, Mark Oldfield , said: "IRSO recognises the issues highlighted in this article. We also recognise the need to promote safety while encouraging non-car travel. Potentially working towards two different targets - casualty reduction and sustainable travel - professionals cannot work in isolation of each other.

"We need to take into account our broader transportation targets and work together to achieve these. This is one of the key requirements in the second round of local transport plans."

For full press release visit: http://www.calderdale.gov.uk

For comments from BikeBiz visit: http://www.bikebiz.co.uk/daily-news