SPEEDING mountain bikers are being blamed for a spate of near misses on Peeblesshire pavements.

Alan Johnson, of Traquair Road, Innerleithen, claims to have spotted three separate incidents in recent weeks. And he has called for cyclists to have more respect for pedestrians - by not riding on the pavement.

Mr Johnson, who is a keen cyclist himself, said: “In the worst incident I watched an elderly lady who was spun round and had to grab fencing to stop herself falling, she is a sprightly woman but it gave her a shock.

“I was at the kitchen window and ran out to protest with the three cyclists - one of them was aged about 45.

“It is not just individuals it is groups of three or four, often they come off the multi-use track at Traquair Road but continue on the pavement, turn left round the corner at the A72 and go to the Co-op.

“If an elderly person gets struck by an adult, in full body armour, on a mountain bike it could cause serious injury.” Mr Johnson said that he had raised his concerns with community policeman PC Chris Burnside. And he believes signs may have to be installed to remind cyclists not to ride on the pavement.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Any potential signs would be a matter for Scottish Borders Council.” Tweeddale East Councillor Gavin Logan revealed he was aware of the concerns. However, cycling supports many businesses in the area and the sport is only expected to grow in popularity.

Councillor Logan said: “The issue of cyclists riding on the pavement has been mentioned to me and it is unacceptable behaviour for adults. Signs would reinforce that it is against the law.”