Push and e-bikes involved in almost 100 collisions in Weston-super-Mare since 2020

Push bikes and e-bikes have been involved in almost 100 collisions in Weston-super-Mare since 2020, we can reveal.

Of the 93 reported incidents, 55 took place from mid-2022 to 2025, with the remaining 38 occurring between August 2020 and mid-2022, a Freedom of Information Request (FOI) to Avon and Somerset Police has revealed.

The force said that five people were seriously hurt in the incidents while 44 sustained slight injuries as a result of the collisions.

There were no recorded fatalities involving a bike or an e-bike over the time period, according to the FOI shared exclusively with Weston Independent News.

Over roughly the same timeframe, there were 397 road traffic collisions involving a vehicle in Weston-super-Mare, according to North Somerset Council’s website.

These resulted in three deaths, 45 serious injuries and 349 slight injuries

The FOI was submitted by Keep Weston High Street Safe, a community-led public safety campaign.

The High St in Weston is a fully pedestrianised road (Photo: North Somerset Council)

Weston resident Paul Howe helped to create it in response to growing concerns about bikes and e-bikes travelling at speed through the pedestrianised High Street.

In recent weeks, the group has been collecting petition signatures at the Italian Gardens market area.

During this time, Mr Howe said a number of residents have described incidents in which they were physically struck by bikes or e-bikes in the town centre.

Others have spoken about feeling intimidated or anxious when using the High Street, particularly older residents and those with mobility difficulties,

Mr Howe, a mobility scooter user himself, explaine;

“The campaign is not anti-cycling or opposed to sustainable transport. The concern is specifically about unsafe riding in pedestrianised areas, where people should reasonably expect to feel safe and where accessible movement should be protected.”

Its chief aims are:

● Clearer signage within the pedestrian zone

● Improved public awareness

● Proportionate but consistent deterrence and enforcement

● A longer-term approach to pedestrian safety within the town centre

The group believes that the above would allow groups such as older people, disabled residents, parents with children and ordinary shoppers to feel safe while walking in the High Street.

It says the collisions, injuries and near misses should be treated seriously and that longer-term preventative measures, through clearer signage, deterrence and monitoring, would improve the situation in a “balanced and proportionate way”.

In a statement, the group said: “Residents are increasingly telling us they feel unsafe or intimidated by bikes and e-bikes travelling at speed through a pedestrianised area, which should feel accessible and safe for everyone.

“This is not about opposing cycling or sustainable transport, but about ensuring pedestrian zones genuinely function as pedestrian spaces.

“We believe clearer signage, public awareness and consistent long-term deterrence measures are needed to help prevent further injuries and restore confidence in the town centre.”

Clare Moody, Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset, said: “I recognise the strength of feeling locally about the use of bicycles and e‑bikes within the pedestrian zone, particularly given the volume of footfall from families, older residents and visitors.”

She said the figures demonstrate why this issue continues to “cause concern” and “underline the importance of proportionate and effective action”.

Ms Moody revealed that she had raised the issue with Avon and Somerset Police, who are aware of it.

“While it is not feasible to maintain a permanent police presence in the pedestrian zone, the force is taking a number of steps to address both safety and behaviour in this area,” she explained.

“These include periodic, intelligence-led patrols in the High Street at varying times of day and week (which are) focused on visibility, engagement and targeted enforcement where necessary.

“The intention of this approach is to maximise (the) deterrent effect without diverting officers from urgent calls elsewhere.

“Where officers encounter cyclists or e‑bike users riding through restricted pedestrian areas, they are able to take proportionate action, including issuing advice, warnings or enforcement where appropriate.”

The force is also working with North Somerset Council and wider partners to ensure that signage, traffic regulation orders and public messaging are clear and well understood, she explained.

Labour councillor Annabelle Chard, who represents the Winterstoke ward, said: "I fully support the Keep Weston High Street Safe campaign.

“For too long, e-bikes and cyclists have been speeding illegally through our high street, causing serious injuries. We urgently need a more effective and consistent deterrent to prevent this from happening."