Cyclists explain why they ride on Sheffield's pavements - and why pedestrians are upset
Cyclists have explained why they cycle on Sheffield’s pavements, after recent figures showed only three people were fined for the offence in the city over a three year period.
Video footage recently showed riders taking to the pavements in and near the city centre, while South Yorkshire Police figures show that between 2022 and 2025, only three fines were issued for the offence in Sheffield.
The video prompted hundreds of comments on the Star’s Facebook page, with cyclists explaining why they do it, and pedestrians explaining why it leaves them feeling at risk.
South Yorkshire Police said they did not have a specific policy which varied from the nationally set legislation, and referred The Star to the Highway Code Rules for cyclists, which states: “You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement.”
However, cyclists have gone onto The Star’s social media pages to explain why riders feel the need to take to the pavements for their safety.
Cyclist Chris Brown said: ”As a commuting cyclist, sometimes it's a risk based decision. I'm aware you're not meant to cycle on some pavements, but in some specific areas where the roads are unsafe (generally narrow uphill roads) it's necessary for safety.
“I've been hit and injured before, and had several close calls due to drivers being impatient or not paying attention. It's the same reason cars park on the pavement, as they feel the risk is reduced of their cars being hit.
“Only the risk and implications to a cyclist being hit are much greater. You just have to cycle slowly and give way when pedestrians are around.
“The best solution would be more dedicated cycle lanes to separate pedestrians, cyclists and cars, but some people seem to get overly upset about that.”
Matt Aidan Jackson said: “I sometimes cycle on the pavement but I always go slow and give way to pedestrians. It’s not hard, it’s common sense.”
Oana Scothern added: “Cyclists should not use pedestrian areas or pavements. However, there are large portions throughout Sheffield with extremely busy roads, raging, speeding and irresponsible drivers, and no dedicated cycle lanes.
“In that scenario, as a cyclist, I will use the pedestrian areas. However, I always respect that I am not technically supposed to use them, and go slow and steady, respecting any pedestrians who are on them.
“If there is sufficient room for us both, I will politely ding my bell, and always say thank you. Until cycle lanes become the norm everywhere, you can't expect us to put our safety at risk on busy roads. If cyclists are polite and respectful, if they have no other choice, then I don't think using pedestrian areas should be as big a deal as some people make it out to be.”
However, some spoke of the dangers they had encountered with people riding on pavements.
Dan said: “My daughter got hit by a delivery cyclist riding on the pavement. He rode off. Police did nothing, asked me to go check for CCTV myself.”
Mary Leach added: “I recently had a near miss with a cyclist on the pavement. I had to leave home early for a hospital appointment. It was still quite dark and as I have mobility problems I was taking my time. Cyclist suddenly appeared, no lights and no hi vis clothing. Missed me by a few inches.”
Steve Hudson said: “I don’t think anyone would have an issue with cyclists on the pavement if they slowed down and yielded to pedestrians, but most don’t, and there in lies the problem, pedestrian safety is paramount.”
Sally Davidson said people dismissed concerns over people riding on the pavement as trivial.
She added: “It is not trivial. Fully grown men - not little kids - riding bicycles at speed, with no lights, along footpaths, are a real danger multiple times a day everyday. It's still in the Highway Code that it is illegal (£500 fine) yet absolutely nobody checks these idiots.”
Richard Senior added: “It is illegal to ride a cycle on the pavement and some of these cycles are electric so are a motor bike - it’s ridiculous that it is not policed . Anything electric should have a licence and insurance.”
Patricia Bevan added: “Pavements are for pedestrians, its dangerous when cyclist and electric scooters are speeding on the pavement .Cyclists never did this in the past. If a person who is unsteady on their feet happened to move in the the way, could be injured badly. “
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However, some felt it was better for motorists to see cyclists on the pavements than on the roads.
Robert Dodds: said: “Cyclists should be allowed to use the paths. It would get them off the road. Safer for cyclists and when pedestrians and cyclists eventually get used to that then it wouldn't be a problem.”
Cynthia Randall said she thought there was nothing wrong with riding on the pavement if you were courteous and it helped free up the road traffic.
She added: “As a car driver you know how pressured you feel stuck behind a bicycle, that everyone wants you to overtake them.”