Police reveal the fines issued to rogue cyclists on Sheffield streets, amid concerns over rule breakers
Police have revealed the number of rogue cyclists who have been fined over offences on Sheffield’s roads.
Officers have made the information available after a Freedom of Information Request from The Star, following claims that some of the city’s cyclists do not know the laws that they must obey on their bikes.
We asked South Yorkshire Police for details of riders who had been caught and punished for jumping traffic signals, riding on pavements and riding without any lights in the dark.
The figures, for the years 2022 to 2025, revealed that:
> Only 12 people had been fined for riding a pedal cycle on a road and failing to comply with the indication given by a traffic sign.
> Just three were fined for riding a pedal cycle on a pavement or footpath.
> Two people were issued fines for riding in the dark without suitable lights.
Sheffield Council is currently looking to improve cycling in the city, with a number of new cycling routes in the city.
The figures come after legal firm Injury Lawyers 4u claimed that cyclists in the city have gaps in their knowledge of the highway code in important areas, saying they had run a survey which had concluded that 36 per cent, higher than the national average, wrongly believed it was legal to ride on a pedestrian pavement.
They also claimed one in 10 (11 per cent) of Sheffield cyclists did not think they had to obey red traffic lights, which is higher than the national average(seven per cent) in their survey.
However, while the national survey was over 1,000 cyclists, the Sheffield figures were taken from only 45.
South Yorkshire Police warn that cyclists who break the rules for cyclists set out in the highways code can face criminal proceedings.
They say in a statement on their website: “Cycling is a popular means of transport both for commuting and exercise.
“The Highway code provides rules that legally 'must' be followed and advice that 'should' be followed to keep cyclists safe on the roads.
“A breach of these rules is a criminal offence and can be used as evidence in both criminal and civil proceedings.
“Rules for lights and brakes are examples of two areas that have legal requirements. Other rules concern cycling whilst unfit through drinks and drugs or careless and dangerous cycling.”
Andrew Twambley, founder and personal injury specialist lawyer at Injury Lawyers 4u, said: “Whether for leisure, fitness or the practicality of commuting, millions of Britons hop on their bikes each year. Yet as our latest research shows, too many are cycling without fully understanding their legal rights and responsibilities.
“Something as simple as riding on a pedestrian pavement or misunderstanding traffic lights can put cyclists and those around them at risk and see them breaking the law too.
“With the weather changing and darker nights soon to come in, I’d urge cyclists to ensure they brush up on their knowledge not just to protect themselves but those around them.”