CONCERNED residents' associations are calling for consistent cycling laws to replace the "contradictory" situation along Poole's promenades.

Cyclists currently enjoy free rein on one selected part of the seafront but are governed by strict rules when travelling along other stretches.

The Southern Poole Chairmen's Liaison Group, which is made up of the chairmen of 10 residents' associations, believes that this is confusing and dangerous and is calling for a compromise to be found and applied to the entire stretch of the seafront.

During the second trial of seafront cycling, the promenade from Bournemouth to the Sandbanks Hotel was governed by the same rules as in Bournemouth - cyclists are required to give way to pedestrians and restrict their speed to 10mph.

But the promenade alongside the Sandbanks car park has no restrictions at all and the path that runs beside the Harbour through Baiter Park from Turks Lane to Fisherman's Dock has an unrestricted lane on the seaward side.

At the Fisherman's Dock, signs say cyclists should dismount if busy, and at the Quay end the cycle lane is on the shore side with no restrictions.

Ken Bearcroft, who is chairman of the Parkstone Bay Residents' Association, said: "We are just trying to get some consistency; that's all we're asking for.

"There has been no public assessment at all on this issue. Now 10 residents' associations have got together and said 'that's not good enough'.

"We're looking to try and get a happy compromise whereby cyclists have a responsibility to give way to pedestrians and pedestrians can actually walk along the promenades with some amount of confidence."

Clive Smith, head of leisure services, said: "We are talking to Bournemouth and are looking for a principle of consistency along the seafront."

The issue is set to be discussed at a meeting of the environment and prosperity policy advisory group due to take place on January 30, 2003.