A PENSIONER knocked over by a bicycle on Weymouth promenade today called for a blitz on seafront cyclists.

Reg McLeod, 90, spoke from his bed in Dorset County Hospital where he is being treated for a broken leg.

He bears no ill-will to the youth that knocked him down but is demanding the authorities take action against illegal cyclists before the town gets busy.

A cycling bylaw covering the prom is in place and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and Dorset Police have teamed up in the past to clamp down on riders.

They have taken an educational approach, warning repeat offenders and irresponsible cyclists before taking action.

But Mr McLeod believes there should be more on-the-spot fines to teach people a lesson.

Despite his advancing years, Mr McLeod was in good shape before his accident and enjoyed his daily walk on the seafront. Now his mobility looks like it will be restricted for months.

Great grandfather Mr McLeod, who lives in sheltered accommodation in Preston, was knocked down near the Jubilee Clock.

He said: “I felt a wheel between my legs.

“I went flying and landed on my left side. I was in terrible pain and screamed for help.

“A young lady – who I would like to contact and say thank you – came to my aid. She made sure I was comfortable until the ambulance came.”

Mr McLeod, who suffered a fractured femur, has been kept in at the Dorchester hospital while he recovers from an operation.

He understands the person who hit him was a teenager who had been riding in a group.

He said: “I wasn’t thinking about him because I was hurt, it was pain like I’ve never had before.

“The boy had his head in his hands because he realised what he had done.”

As a member of the Fleet Air Arm, London-born Mr McLeod saw service on aircraft carriers in the Second World War.

Later he went into business in the textile industry and spent much of his life in South Africa where he had a family, and later, Zimbabwe. He returned to England to be near family members.

Widower Mr McLeod said: “I want to see justice done. Who is responsible for policing the promenade?

“They should have wardens to keep control. I suggest a warning sign, and then just blitz it and fine people.”

He added: “I will be concerned about walking on the seafront again. It will take a while to get my confidence back.”

His daughter Iona McLeod, who lives in Weymouth, said: “I was shocked when I heard what happened and I am really upset by the fact that dad, who was independent and active, will now be bedbound for the summer when he was looking forward to being out.

“It’s really disappointing this can happen because of a careless action by a cyclist.”

She fears her father will have to go into a rehabilitation unit before he can return home.

• If you were the young woman who came to Mr McLeod’s assistance or know who she is call Martin Lea at the Dorset Echo on 01305 830983 or email: martin.lea@dorsetecho.co.uk