Cyclists riding on pavements across Thanet risk ending up in court if they do not “brake” the habit.

Responding to the concerns of the local community, neighbourhood officer PC Alex Stuart has had to stop 19 cyclists in just two weeks in the Viking ward area of Broadstairs.

Sixteen of the cyclists were warned and three agreed to fixed penalty notices and a £30 fine when their riding or where they were riding was dangerous.

The cyclists have been young and old and warnings to young people have also included their parents.

Riders who are stopped again have been warned they risk being reported for the offence and appearing before magistrates.

PC Stuart said: “I had to chase after one cyclist on my police bike because he didn’t hear me asking him to stop as he had head phones on.

"He becomes a danger both to himself and to other road users if he is unable to hear the sound of a horn or traffic approaching behind.

“Some of those stopped said they did not realise they are not allowed to ride on the pavement. Others have said they know the law but ride on the pavement because the road is too dangerous.”

Police will be keeping up the cycle campaign throughout the summer.