Since the accident, neighbours have been campaigning to educate people on the law by installing a sign on the pavement outside their homes. It reads: "Cycling on this pavement is illegal and dangerous."

But why are cyclists resorting to using the pavements? Here are a few views from readers.

Parked cars, busy roads and dangerous motorists are among the problems driving Leamington cyclists on to the pavements.

Old Town resident John Rooney explained that conditions have become so bad, people are breaking the law to stay safe.

He said: "I live close to Radford Road and my son cycles on the pavement because the road is simply too dangerous to venture on.

"Let's clear the cars off the pavements and mark out a cycle path so that the broad pavements can be used in safety by both pedestrians and cyclists."

Former cyclist Phil Lindop agrees the town's roads are not safe for riders.

He added: "Quite a large proportion of drivers do not consider cyclists so I am in favour of anyone cycling on the pavement providing they give consideration to pedestrians.

"Even the new cycleways are not safe. I regularly travel between Warwick and Leamington and very rarely see one without someone parked on it."

But Warwick Street resident Ashley Bartlett believes cyclists risk injuring pedestrians by riding on the pathways and should be prosecuted.

He said: "When they are on the road they need to be taught they should abide by the same rules as motorists and not go on the pavement.

"The other day my wife was almost knocked down by a cyclist breaking the one way system in Bedford Street."

Mr Bartlett, who is a former racing cyclist, hopes police and traffic wardens will take the issue seriously. He added: "A lot of those doing it are professionals. These people know the law and they need to know they will be prosecuted."

A county council spokesman said: "There has been a slight increase in cyclist casualties over the last few years but this is offset by a general increase in cycling levels.

"We support cycling as a sustainable means of travel and healthy form of exercise and are developing new routes within the main towns to help people get around by bike.

"We appreciate some people can be nervous about cycling and offer training for children and adults." To find out more call 412776.

www.warwickshire.gov.uk/cycletraining

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Cycling on the pavement is illegal and police officers, special constables and community support officers have the power to stop offenders and issue them with a fine.

So far this year Warwickshire Police has charged one person with the offence. In 2007 four people in Warwickshire were prosecuted for cycling on the pavements. One of these was in Warwick district.

Following the problems featured in the Courier, police and community support officers will be patrolling Radford Road until August 5 to warn cyclists of the law.