BICYCLE and scooter racks are set to be installed on the Esplanade and parks and gardens across Weymouth as part of plans by the town council.

Town councillors have discussed plans to install the racks across various sites in the town, including the promenade.

The plans were created after concerns were raised about areas in the town where scooters and bicycles were often left dumped on the ground or tied to barriers on the seafront.

Scooter racks will be installed in parks across the town for children's scooters whilst bicycle racks will be installed on the Esplanade as well.

'Sheffield Racks' will be installed, which are metal arches which bikes and scooters can be attached to for safety.

The racks will be installed in six spots on The Esplanade, Louviers Road play area, Nothe Gardens, Wyke Playing Field, The Marsh and Oakbury Drive play area.

Cllr Joanna Dickenson raised concerns that the cycle racks may encourage more cyclists on the seafront.

She said: "Has anyone considered the safety aspect of this ill-conceived idea in my opinion?

"We don't want older people or children suddenly be bowled over by speeding cyclists.

"Are they seriously thinking that all cyclists will be mindful and considerate when cycling?

"What happens when there are stalls on the seafront? Will they have to weave in and out?

"I think this is a preposterous idea."

Cllr Matt Bell replied: "As a keen cyclist, I rarely lock up my bike whilst cycling.

"I do walk my bike to the rack. It is just a car park for a bike."

Cllr Ryan Hope added: "We are not changing bylaws or rules around cycling, we do allow cycling on the esplanade during certain hours of the day, during quieter hours of the day.

"There are cyclists on the promenade. This is for people cycling to the promenade to get off, park their bike and walk onto the sands.

"We are not trying to promote the Tour De France on our Esplanade or in any of our parks or gardens."