CYCLISTS using a pedestrianised stretch of Bath Street as a shortcut are putting shoppers and retail staff at risk, according to business owners who say they have witnessed years of near misses.
Staff at Graeme Le Maistre Sports say riders regularly speed through the area from the direction of Snow Hill car park, despite the route being designated for pedestrians.
Manager Julie Forder said the problem had become a source of frustration and concern.
“They fly up and down here. It makes you feel vulnerable. You can’t just relax and enjoy your shop. It’s so wrong. Every time we walk out the shop we have to look left and right,” she said.
“It’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt.”
Ms Forder said the issue had been ongoing for years and recalled one incident in which a cyclist rode over a dog’s lead while a customer was sitting outside having a drink.
“About two years ago, a lad was sitting outside having a drink, and their dog flipped as they cycled right over the lead, and we heard the squeal,” she said.
She added that it is a matter she had discussed with other businesses in the area – including Redvers – who agreed it was a matter of concern.
Despite periodic patrols by the police and Honorary Police, Ms Forder said the problem persisted.
“No one seems to do anything about it,” she said.
Responding, a States of Jersey police spokesperson said: “Officers regularly patrol the town centre on foot and take a proportionate approach based on the circumstances, using a combination of engagement, education and enforcement.
“During targeted activity in the area last year from our community policing team, officers engaged directly with cyclists to address their behaviour.”
They added: “We recommend islanders to report concern to us, as this helps ensure we can target patrols where most needed.
“Officers must balance this with a wide range of competing demands, and will continue to monitor the situation and work with our partners to keep the area safe. We continue to work closely with the Parish and Honorary Police.”
Meanwhile, Danny Scaife, head of St Helier Honorary Police, told the JEP that the issue had persisted for years but acknowledged that enforcement resources were limited.
“It’s been an ongoing issue for years,” he said.
“It’s one of these things that is impossible to police 24/7, and it isn’t just about enforcement, it’s also about education. The public shouldn’t be cycling on pedestrianised pavements.”
