CYCLISTS have been fined a record amount after being caught riding in Oxford’s city centre pedestrianised areas.

Police stopped 95 cyclists – the equivalent of one every two minutes – riding illegally in Cornmarket Street and Queen Street.

It was the largest number of cyclists caught by police in operations aiming to make the city centre safer for pedestrians and shoppers since 85 were caught in three hours in August 2007.

Police dished out £30 fines to 72 cyclists in Queen Street and 23 in Cornmarket — a total of £2,850.

Pc Steve Higa said: “This was a record number of people which is worrying. People should know by now that cycling in Queen Street and Cornmarket is restricted.

“Maybe because of the warm weather and school holidays we had more cyclists.

“If people cycle, there is a danger to themselves and pedestrians. It makes it even more complicated with buses in Queen Street.

“We don’t want anyone to get injured.

“Most of the cyclists got off their bikes when they saw us so they knew full well what they were doing was wrong. There’s no excuse. The signs are very clear.

“Most pedestrians were supportive and some of the elderly people said it was about time.”

Cycling is prohibited in Queen Street and Cornmarket Street between 10am and 6pm.

Police have now pledged to step up enforcement across Oxford’s pedestrian areas.

Student officers and police community support officers (Pcsos) joined regular city centre police during the operation on Friday.

James Styring, of Oxford cycle campaign group Cyclox, believes cycling should be allowed in Queen Street.

He said: “While there is a ban Cyclox will urge cyclists to respect that. But we don’t agree with the ban in Queen Street.

“Incidents of cyclists running over pedestrians are incredibly rare and I think that maybe there are more pressing things for police to deal with.

“Buses run along Queen Street and they would cause a lot more damage to a pedestrian than a cyclist.

“You could easily make a case for bikes to be allowed on both streets, but Cornmarket is much busier.

“In Queen Street, however, cyclists and pedestrians could mix much easier.”

Police carry out stop checks in the city centre every few months.

mwilkinson@oxfordmail.co.uk