Full Breakdown
Cyclist Convicted After Dangerous Pursuit Endangers Family with Babies
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
On 8 July, police in Liverpool observed 43-year-old Daniel Kennedy cycling at high speed on the pavement while holding a mobile phone to his ear. After being ordered to stop, Kennedy turned his bike around, entered the road, and rode into oncoming traffic, forcing several vehicles to brake sharply. He then crossed to the opposite carriageway, doubled back, and proceeded onto a pedestrian path that narrowed between railings. At that point a family with babies in prams was walking through the passage. Kennedy rode “furiously” toward them, compelling the family to move quickly to avoid injury before he fell off his bike and was detained.
Police Account
According to PC Samuel Hawthorn, who was on patrol at 19:00 BST on Aigburth Road, Kennedy’s reckless maneuver placed the family at serious risk. Hawthorn noted that numerous vehicles had to emergency-brake and swerve to avoid colliding with the cyclist, and he believed that, had the family not moved aside, someone could have been seriously injured.
Court Outcome
Kennedy entered a guilty plea to dangerous cycling through the fast-track Single Justice Procedure and was convicted in Wirral magistrates’ court. He received a £120 fine and was not required to attend the hearing in person, having submitted his plea in writing the previous week. No mitigation was offered.
Safety Concerns and Legal Context
The case highlights the dangers of cycling while using a mobile phone and the legal repercussions for endangering pedestrians. Under UK traffic law, dangerous cycling can be prosecuted when a rider’s conduct poses a risk of serious injury to others, especially on pavements and pedestrian routes.