The number of people injured by cyclists riding on pavements is tiny compared with those who are killed and maimed by cars every year.

But ask pedestrians what annoys them more than anything else and the chances are that errant cyclists will be high on the list.

It's the way they arrive unexpectedly, silently and speedily, breaking the law and not caring a fig about it because they know no one can be bothered to stop them.

All that's changing in Brighton where police are launching a blitz against cyclists who ride on pavements.

They'll also nab those who ride through red traffic lights, go the wrong way down one-way streets, and cycle at night without lights.

Cycling is a wonderful way to get around crowded towns and plays a small part in reducing congestion.

But there's no need for cyclists to scare the wits out of hapless pedestrians by belting along pavements and the sooner that's stopped the better.