Fined Heath cyclist Eddison Joseph says: I don’t run down old ladies

Published: 17th March, 2011
by JAMIE WELHAM

A CYCLIST who was hauled in front of magistrates and fined £330 for riding on a “no-cycle” path on Hampstead Heath has branded the decision as “ridiculous”.

Eddison Joseph, a 50-year-old personal trainer from Kentish Town, was slapped with the fine for breaking three bylaws, including cycling dangerously and recklessly.

The former youth worker, who has lived in the area all his life, criticised the prosecution, saying it was a “waste of time”. 

He has called for common sense policing of cycling on the Heath.

Mr Joseph claims he has been made to look like a “hooligan who runs down old ladies”.

He was stopped by police twice – once this year and once in April last year for riding on routes where cycling is banned.

Speaking after the hearing at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on March 1, he said: “It’s absolutely ridiculous. The first time they came screeching towards me across the grass in a car. I held my hands up, apologised and gave them my details. 

“The next thing I know I’ve got a court summons saying I fled from police when I was on another ‘no-cycle’ path. I wasn’t even there.”

Police have defended their decision to bring the prosecution, insisting it was not heavy-handed. They said such action was extremely rare but people had to use the Heath responsibly. 

Mr Joseph was found guilty of violating three bylaws. He said: “I’ve grown up cycling through the heath since I was a kid. 

“I know it was probably a bit stupid but to say that it is dangerous is ridiculous. I often get off my bike to pass old ladies and I have a lot respect for the environment. 

“I grew up with most of the guys that look after the Heath. To make an example out of me is stupid. I’ve often walked along with my bike, especially on the path by the athletics track, and dozens of cyclists have ridden past me without being stopped. I think there needs to be some common sense used here.”

Richard Gentry, manager of Hampstead Heath Constabulary, said: “It’s not about going out there and spoiling people’s enjoyment of the Heath. 

“We have to get the balance right because there are a lot of joggers, families with babies and old age pensioners using the Heath. People have to use it responsibly.

“Usually we would just have a word, and if we saw it again, say something more formal. This sort of thing is not a regular occurrence and I think we have the enforcement levels right.”

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