A CALL has been made to clear pavements of cyclists.

Gordon Pybus, chairman of Darlington Association on Disability (Dad), called for tougher action on cyclists who ride on pavements when he spoke at Monday's Transport Forum meeting.

He said elderly and disabled people were at risk of being knocked down by thoughtless cyclists.

He said: "In May, Alan Milburn helped to launch Pavements for People in association with Dad, the police and the local authority. But cycling on pavements was not addressed.We believe this to be dangerous to elderly people and disabled people. Cycling on pavements is illegal and we are asking for support for active policing in this matter.

"There was a lot of publicity for the litter campaign which used the uniformed wardens to enforce it. I think we should have the same with cycling on pavements."

The move was supported by George Clayton, representative of the Spartan Wheelers' Cycling Group.

Mr Clayton, said: "We are against cycling on the pavement and would support the motion fully. It is anti- social."

Sergeant Ian Martin, of Darlington Police, informed the group that only police officers had the power to prosecute cyclists. He said: "Uniformed wardens and traffic wardens do not have enforcement powers to issue fixed penalty tickets, but uniformed wardens could be used in an education campaign."

Forum chairman, Councillor Nick Wallis, said: "Pavements for People was a successful strategy and I wonder if something similar could be launched for this."