UK Police Threaten to Confiscate 4-Year-Old’s Bike
Local Editor
Grantham Police threatened to confiscate a four-year-old girl's bike on the way to school because she was cycling on a pavement - leaving her in tears.
The officer said he would drive off and check his mirrors, and if he spotted her cycling again on the pavement then he would take away the bike.
Lindley obeyed the officer's order, even though this meant he now had to carry his daughter as well as her bike and other possessions.
Sophie's mother Emma Stephenson accepted it was illegal to ride on the pavement, but a cycling charity had since pointed out that Sophie wasa under the age of criminal responsibility - which is ten.
She stated, "It is ridiculous to think a four-year-old is not allowed. The most unbelievable thing is they were going to confiscate the bike."
After the incident, Miss Stephenson and her mother Margaret Stephenson then looked into the law on the subject and called officers at Grantham police station. The force had since apologized.
Lincolnshire Police confirmed that officers were investigating the incident. A spokesman said: "Safety is our priority and cycling on the pavement is illegal."
He added, "However, common sense obviously prevails and in the case of young children, officers would use their discretion and offer the most appropriate advice for the circumstances."
Roger Geffen, campaigns and policy director of national charity Cyclists' Touring Club, said the officer appeared to have "forgotten" Sophie was six years under the age of criminal responsibility.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
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