JNugent wrote:
On 19/05/2012 15:55, Zapp Brannigan wrote:

"Mrcheerful" wrote in message
...
Rat-running cyclists are endangering stall traders by using a
pedestrianised area as a short-cut, it has been claimed.

Mitcham residents and traders have become increasingly frustrated
with people on bikes using Mitcham town centre in order to avoid
the busy one-way traffic on Holborn Way.

Christine Higgs, 50, of Streatham Road, said: "They [cyclists] just
come screeching down the pavement on their bikes and try to swerve
round you. "They once hit my son, who is six, and I was really angry
because
they hurt him but they didn't apologise. It is a big problem."

Stall trader Alan Hunt, 69, said: "In the morning when you are
trying to set up it is a nightmare because they [cyclists] just cut
straight through at high speed on their way to work.

"I have had my stall damaged by cyclists speeding in the past and
it is dangerous for my customers."

Poke an umbrella or walking stick into the spokes of any reckless
cyclist, stop them before they cause serious harm.

Would a piece of c. 1cm dowel not serve just as well and have the twin
advantages of cheapness and immediate easy replacement?

I think it would need to be thicker for reliability. But it would have to
be much more hefty to stop something with alloy wheels. I understand that a
good shove on the handlebars woks well.
A friend in Cambridge carries a heavy metal tool box to jobs and finds that
is very effective.